Helsel awarded the NAR Distinguished Service Award

James Helsel, Jr.

Lemoyne’s James Helsel, Jr. was awarded the National Association of Realtors® 2014 Distinguished Service Award this week.

Out of one million Realtors®, only two are recognized with this award each year. Established in 1979, the award is given to Realtors® “who have made outstanding contributions to the real estate industry and are recognized as leaders in their local communities,” according to NAR.

With 41 years of Realtor® experience, Helsel has certainly made contributions to the community.

“I am honored and grateful to receive the Distinguished Service Award,” Helsel told NAR. “Being a Realtor® is a privilege and responsibility I do not take lightly. We help our clients shape their futures and build their communities, so it is important to also become active members of those communities. I am so proud to be a part of the Realtor® family and thank everyone for their support, not just in receiving this award but throughout my four-decade journey in this industry.”

Helsel began his career at Helsel, Inc., Realtors® in 1975 after graduating from Lycoming College. He served as president of the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors®, as well as president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® (PAR) in 1994.

In addition to serving on several PAR committees, Helsel also chaired PAR’s Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC) for seven years. In 2001, he was named PAR Realtor® of the Year and in 2008, he received PAR’s Distinguished Service Award. Helsel was presented the 2013 Realtor® Active in Politics Award, which distinguishes exemplary legislative volunteerism on behalf of the association.

Nationally, Helsel was a member of the NAR board of directors for 20 years, and served as NAR treasurer from 2009-2012. In 2001, he served as regional vice president of Region 2 (Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey) and was chairman of the Real Property Operations Committee (RPOC) during the development and construction of NAR’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. NAR inducted him into the RPAC Hall of Fame in 2009.

Today, Helsel is president of Helsel, Inc., Realtors®, as well as senior managing director of KW Commercial, Realtors®.