Leadership Team Installed, Awardees Honored

Our event on January 15th, at the Duquesne Club, provided an opportunity to celebrate some individuals who dedicate their time to make the real estate industry and beyond a better place. We are very fortunate to encounter these folks on a regular basis.

Let’s start with our awardees.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

Ms. Nicole Molinaro is the President and CEO of the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. The RAMP Community Service Committee has been volunteering with WCS for a few years providing support through different projects and events. We are thankful for the vital services provided by Nicole and the staff at WCS.

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Each year, the outgoing president of RAMP has an opportunity to honor someone who played a significant role in their life to inspire them personally or professionally. In this case, Michelle Senko opted to honor her father, Michael Senko. Mr. Senko is always supportive of everything his daughter attempts in life. His early experiences as a property owner and landlord was a catalyst in pointing Michelle toward a life in real estate.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Almost ten years ago, a veteran of Pennsylvania politics set up shop in a quiet corner office on West Liberty Avenue. Matthew Vermeire was hired to head up the Government Affairs department at RAMP. Through Matt’s efforts, RAMP has been influential in creating (and defeating) policies or legislation throughout western Pennsylvania  municipalities and counties. Matt mentioned that this particular part of politics is so meaningful to him because the end result helps communities and citizens with housing and property issues.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Robina English is known as “Bebe” by her family, friends and colleagues. She is also known as a dedicated real estate practitioner, first in Florida and for the past several years, here in Pittsburgh. Bebe has served on many RAMP committees, served as president and served on state and national committees. She has been a manager and regional vice president for Howard Hanna Real Estate Services during her career in Pittsburgh. Bebe is a strong leader in our industry.

RICHARD J. STAMPAHAR REALTOR ACTIVE IN POLITICS AWARD

Richard Stampahar was a leader in Pittsburgh real estate and leader in politics. It was only fitting that we named this award in his honor. Mr. Stampahar’s favorite line was “If real estate is your profession, politics is your business.” With this in mind, our “RAP” honoree is David Onufer. Over the years, David has been active in local and state politics, working with lawmakers on many issues and serving on the Pittsburgh Civil Service Commission. He does this while excelling in his career at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services.

AFFILIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR

February 2026 marks 15 years as a REALTOR® and proud RAMP member for Julie Snider. While Julie continues to actively practice real estate, she has also embraced a supportive REALTOR-focused role as Business Development Director for The Junkluggers of Pittsburgh.

At The Junkluggers of Pittsburgh, Julie helps connect REALTORS® and their clients with comprehensive services including eco-friendly haul-outs, moving assistance, labor-only support, and cleaning services—providing reliable solutions for every stage of a real estate transaction. Julie proudly aligns her work with The Junkluggers’ mission to enhance lives, strengthen the community, and protect the environment through responsible rehoming, recycling, and support of local charities.

REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

Michelle Senko has completed her term as the 2025 President of RAMP. However, that does not mean she is taking her foot off the gas. Over the last several years, Michelle has developed quite a resume as a volunteer for several charities. Whether she is participating through her work with the Community Service Committee or volunteering on her own, she is always ready to lend a hand. To top that off, she is very active in the commercial real estate sector. Michelle has been an effective leader for RAMP’s commercial members as she chaired or co-chaired the Commercial Committee for several years. Members like Michelle are vital to our industry and community.

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

2026 President of the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® David Dean bestowed upon our leadership team the Oath of Office for 2026. Dale Swanton (RE/MAX Select Realty) was installed as President of the 115 year old association. In his inaugural address, Dale talked about living on a boat for a few years during his youth. His parents eventually moved the family to a land-based house as the boat aged into retirement. Even at a young age, Dale recognized the importance of maintaining a home and often helped his father with those duties. Learning the basics of maintenance was part of this routine. With that in mind, Dale’s theme for 2026 is “Back to Basics.” Our industry has been through many changes in the last few years. We need to evolve to stay strong. That may mean, reviewing the basics of how we go about our business. See the “President’s Message” below. This message was printed in the program book distributed at the event.

The position of President-Elect is filled by Brian Larson of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. And, rounding out our leadership trio is Secretary-Treasurer Peter Sebock of Clear Choice Enterprises. Our association is in good hands again as we begin 2026.

 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome to the Realtors® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh’s 2026 Installation of Officers and Awards Celebration. Thank you to our amazing staff, our leadership team, the Board of Directors, affiliates, sponsors, fellow members, and my friends and family for being here today. It is truly an honor to serve as your President.

The real estate industry is ever changing. Advances in technology, shifts in regulatory policy, and affordability issues, among other things, all contribute to a growing sense of uneasiness within the industry. But change is inevitable and while some of these things are out of our control, many can be directly affected by what we do on a daily basis.

When facing so many challenges it can be easy to get bogged down and become paralyzed. But rather than trying to solve every issue, I’m encouraging our members to focus on the things that we can control and the things that matter the most.

And so, my theme for 2026 is “Back to Basics”.

It’s about tuning out the noise and directing all of our attention towards the things that helped grow this association into what it is today and continue to keep it strong. That starts with continuing to promote our core mission to protect private property rights, to be the recognized voice of real estate in the Pittsburgh area and across the Commonwealth, and to enhance the professional and ethical conduct of our members.

In 2026, I want to increase member engagement, enhance our consumer outreach, and continue to advocate for issues that help improve affordability and housing access. I want the general public to view us as a trusted partner in their real estate journey and I want our members to view us as a place they can be proud to say they are a part of.

It takes a village, as the saying goes, and I certainly would not be here without the help of so many people. This past year the association has thrived under the thoughtful leadership of Michelle Senko, who truly embodies what it means to lead by example. I am honored to have served alongside Michelle.

Thank you also to my fellow officers, Brian Larson and Pete Sebock for stepping up and agreeing to serve.

Thank you to our Board of Directors and Affiliates who continually support our mission.

Thank you to our Sponsors, whose generous donations make events like this possible.

Thank you to the staff at RAMP who work tirelessly to keep things running smoothly on a daily basis.

And last, but certainly not least, thank you to my wife, Danika, for supporting me in all my endeavors.

With our continued teamwork and collaboration, I’m confident that we can remain a driving force in the real estate industry for years to come and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in 2026.

DALE SWANTON
2026 President