Fort Wayne, Ind. (December 23, 2025)—The Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® (UPSTAR) named Sharon White, Premier Inc REALTORS®, the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year.
The REALTOR® of the Year is UPSTAR’s highest honor, selected by peers to recognize outstanding contributions to the association, the real estate profession, and the community.
With more than 40 years of service to UPSTAR and the real estate industry, White has focused her recent work on committee involvement related to professional standards and the review and update of Indiana REALTORS® forms. Her past leadership includes service on the MLS Finance Committee, multiple terms on the MLS Board of Directors, serving as Association President in 1999, and being honored with the Association’s Hall of Fame Award in 2023.
The REALTOR® of the Year honor was just one of several service awards presented during UPSTAR’s General Membership meeting on Dec. 17, 2025. Additional awards included:
- Hall of Fame Award (Posthumous)—Phillip Stinson, formerly with North Eastern Group Realty—Fort Wayne, Ind. The Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals for exceptional and sustained service to the community and the real estate profession over the course of their careers. Prior to his retirement and passing, Stinson served the industry for more than 30 years, including leadership as UPSTAR President in 2012 and extensive involvement in association committee work. The award was accepted on his behalf by his children, Lori and Brad Stinson.
- Affiliate of the Year— Julia Fitzgerald, Aardvark Home Inspectors—Fort Wayne, Ind.
Fitzgerald received this award for her exceptional service and support of UPSTAR’s events, programs and outreach initiatives. - Community Service Award— Jenna Nelson, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group—Fort Wayne, Ind.
Nelson received this award in recognition of her countless volunteer hours supporting UPSTAR’s charitable initiatives as well as those in the community such as Habitat for Humanity and NeighborLink. - Outstanding Service Award— Shawn Smiley—Trueblood Real Estate—Fort Wayne, Ind.
Smiley received this award for his leadership, volunteerism, and dedication in serving the mission and goals of UPSTAR’s Young Professionals Network. - President’s Award— Michael Patmore, Century 21 Bradley Realty—Fort Wayne, Ind.
Patmore received this award from the 2025 UPSTAR President, Sue Teasdale, in recognition of his invaluable assistance and support throughout her presidency.
About the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS®
UPSTAR, established in 1913, is the oldest trade association in Allen County. The association is dedicated to serving the professional needs of over 1,800 REALTOR® and affiliate members and to promote and protect homeownership and private property rights. For more information about UPSTAR, visit www.UpstarIndiana.com, or call 260.426.4700.
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