Benchmarks of Success: A look at major career developments in the area

A look at major career developments in the area.

Sherrer receives Real Estate Icon Award

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty has announced that Founder and Chairman Linda Sherrer has received the Real Estate Icon Award from the Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR).

The honor is presented to a NEFAR Realtor who has made a significant contribution within the profession, is highly respected in the community, is known for exemplary ethical behavior as well as knowledgeable and compassionate service, and provides generous support to community organizations.

Sherrer has guided her company since its inception in 1988 with a vision that distinguishes it from others by raising the level of professionalism. Today, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty is a premier luxury real estate firm and market leader in Northeast Florida with more than 500 Realtors in nine offices. The company ranks among the top 25 affiliates within the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices global network encompassing 1,600 offices in four continents.

Sherrer has received numerous accolades for her achievements and dedication to the real estate industry and the community. She is included on Florida Trend’s Florida 500 list honoring the state’s most influential business leaders across major industries. She received the University of North Florida Distinguished Business Leader Award and was named to the First Coast Business Hall of Fame.

Miller named seventh Jessie Ball duPont Fund trustee

The trustees of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund voted to confirm Jacksonville-based entrepreneur and philanthropist David Miller as the duPont Fund’s seventh trustee. His tenure began on Feb. 6.

Miller is the co-founder of Brightway Insurance, one of the largest property and casualty insurance retailers in the country. His philanthropic contributions and community building center around four social action pillars: public discourse, poverty, education and social justice.

“We are thrilled to welcome David to this group of passionate, thoughtful trustees, and we are excited for his energy and expertise as we work to achieve greater impact around placemaking and equity in the communities and institutions that Jessie Ball duPont loved,” said Anna Escobedo Cabral, chair for the Jessie Ball duPont Fund Trustees and partner at The Cabral Group. “David is a proven champion for equity, a trusted adviser and a longstanding leader in the Jacksonville community; his presence will benefit all of the communities the duPont Fund serves.”

Thompson earns private wealth adviser status

Chris Thompson, CFP, CRPC, CMFA of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, has become an Ameriprise financial private wealth adviser. Thompson, with an office in Jacksonville, is among the 20% of approximately 10,000 Ameriprise financial advisers to achieve this status.

Ameriprise private wealth advisers provide personalized client service and are dedicated to meeting the complex and unique financial needs of their clients. To become eligible for this status, advisers must be experienced in providing a comprehensive approach to financial planning and advice, complete specialized training and achieve exceptional business results.

As a private wealth adviser, Thompson provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with his clients.

For more information, contact Thompson at 904-944-6042, go to the Ameriprise office at 4601 Touchton Road East, Suite 3120 or go to ameripriseadvisors.com/chris.thompson.

Graves recognized with national volunteering award

NEFAR member Pamela Graves of Summer House Realty in Fernandina Beach has been named as one of five recipients of the National Association of Realtors 15th annual Volunteering Works award.

The Volunteering Works program, which NAR and its Good Neighbor Society sponsor, matches real estate agents who work on small-scale charitable efforts with mentors who can help them improve and expand their impact.

Each of the five Volunteering Works recipients will receive a $1,000 seed grant and a year of one-on-one mentoring from a member of the Good Neighbor Society. This group is made up of past recipients of NAR's annual Good Neighbor Awards, the highest honor the association awards to members involved in community service.

Graves began her charitable work in Uganda when she met Mary Apio — a former child bride turned self-made chef — while on a mission trip. In 2021, Graves and Apio built Sonrisa School of Culinary Arts & Bakery, a cooking school to help other survivors of assault and forced child marriage create a new life. 

Hammond joins real estate business

Parker Hammond has joined the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty team.

Hammond holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of North Florida, obtained between the summer of 2018 and December 2022. His major in business management, coupled with a minor in entrepreneurship, reflects his dedication to a comprehensive understanding of the business world.

To contact Hammond, call 772-205-8502 or go to Parker.Hammond@floridanetworkrealty.com or PHammond.floridanetworkrealty.com.

The Ponte Vedra/Nocatee office, located at 333 Village Main St., Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach, is managed by Holly Hayes, who can be reached at 904-802-0432, Holly.Hayes@FloridaNetworkRealty.com, and floridanetworkrealtycareers.com.

— Compiled by Shaun Ryan