Morgantown real estate broker Melissa Hornbeck was named 2023 West Virginia Realtor of the Year by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
NAR representatives presented the award to Hornbeck at the 2023 West Virginia Association of Realtors Convention in Huntington.
Each year, NAR recognizes one Realtor in each state who provides exemplary service to the real estate profession and their community. NAR selects members who exhibit integrity, adhere to the Realtor Code of Ethics and further the principles of good real estate practice among brokers, agents and the general public. They also consider the member’s business accomplishments, civic service and involvement in NAR-affiliated boards and activities.
Alisa Jackson, who served on the 2022 nomination committee, said local boards of Realtors across West Virgnia are encouraged to nominate candidates, then WVAR determines who best meets NAR criteria.
“Melissa earned this recognition for her remarkable commitment to her clients, peers and the real estate industry,” she said.
Hornbeck became a licensed Realtor in 2002. She moved into the broker role at White Diamond Realty LLC in early 2020, after spending several years with Howard Hannah Premier Properties by Barabara Alexander as agent and director of professional development and training. Before coming home to Morgantown, she practiced in Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Hornbeck has a long history of professional and community service. She is chair of the Red Cross Allegheny Highlands Chapter’s board of directors and philanthropic committee; co-chair of the Morgantown Area Partnership’s government affairs committee; a member of the WVAR board of directors; vice-chair of the WVAR government affairs committee; a member of the WVAR education, professional standards and Realtors political action committee; an RPAC major investor; and the West Virginia representative for the NAR professional standards committee.
She has also given her time to the Morgantown Board of Realtors (past-president, chair of education, chair of strategic planning); the NAR Federal Financing & Housing Policy committee (member-at-large); the Coalition for Housing Action Partnership (secretary, board of directors); and the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (volunteer).
On receiving her award, Hornbeck said she was “shocked, honored, humbled and thrilled.” She said she hopes to continue making an impact in real estate and beyond.
“I love the business I am in, and I am grateful for everything my community, clients and colleagues have given to me. That is why I am compelled to give back. I know we can only improve our lives by action. I hope to continue contributing for years to come.”
Hornbeck was previously honored by WVAR with its 2022 Rising Star Award and by the Morgantown Board of Realtors with its 2022 Outstanding Achievement Award.
To keep up with Hornbeck and her activities in Morgantown and beyond, follow her at
facebook.com/melissahornbeckbroker.
For more information about the NAR Realtor of the Year program, visit nar.Realtor/about-nar/awards-and-recognition/Realtor-of-the-year.
