The Kenai Peninsula Association of Realtors (KPAR) gathered August 21st for their annual General Membership Meeting and Board of Director Election. “We are happy to welcome Lyndy Wackler, Anna Johns, Kelly Griebel and Sam Barnes to our 2015 Board of Directors,” said Melissa Duffy, KPAR chief executive officer.

A surprised Kelly Griebel was chosen as the Realtor of the Year “I was totally shocked, but it really means a lot to me because I love what I do and part of that is working with all these people so to be chosen by your peers is a high honor,” Griebel told the Dispatch. The daughter of veteran real estate broker Dave Keating, Kelly didn’t always have her sights set on a career in real estate, “I went to college to be a teacher and earned my degree, but when I started teaching I just decided that it really wasn’t for me and wanted to do something different so seeing my grandfather and father were real estate agents here on the Peninsula I decided to give it a try and absolutely fell in love with it, having no idea that it would truly become my life. I love it here and giving back to this community is very important to me,” she explained.

“The REALTOR® of the Year award is given to REALTORS® that show exceptional spirit and promotion of good real estate practices as well as involvement in the REALTOR® Association and community,” said Duffy, “Kelly Griebel is a Kenai Peninsula native and has been involved in real estate for over 13 years.

She is the epitome of dedication and hard work, and sets an amazing example of professionalism and commitment. She is always one of the first in the Association to volunteer and contribute, and also supports many organizations within the community including the Builders Association, the local Chambers, Central Peninsula Relay for Life and the Kenai Performers. Throughout her career, she has continually been an example for others in the way of leadership and participation. Kelly is well respected by many professionals in the community, and can always be counted on to lend a helping hand. Always on the move, but always smiling, Kelly sets the bar high. The REALTOR of the Year represents spirit, integrity and compassion. For that reason we congratulate Kelly Griebel, our 2014 REALTOR of the Year,” said last year’s Realtor of the Year and colleague Fred Braun.