Awards & Recognition

Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award

In a 24/7 business like real estate, making time to be politically active on behalf of our industry requires extraordinary dedication. The Ed Anderson Political Achievement award annually honors a member for outstanding contributions in politics and public policy, both locally and nationally. 

The recipient will be announced and recognized at the 2025 UNITE! convention held in Brooklyn Park from September 18-19.

Nominations for the 2025 Ed Anderson Award are closed.

Questions?

Contact Matt Spellman by email at mspellman@mnrealtor.com


LeeAnn Lehto

2025 Award Recipient

Wendy Uzelac

RE/MAX Advantage Plus

LeeAnn Lehto

2024 Award Recipient

Laura Lee Berger

Coldwell Banker Realty
St. Paul Area Association of Realtors®

LeeAnn Lehto

2023 Award Recipient

LeeAnn Lehto
Lakes Sotheby's, Edina

Man Huynh

2022 Award Recipient

Man Huynh
Edina Realty, St. Paul

Patrick Paulson

2021 Award Winner

Patrick Paulson
EXIT Metro Realty, St. Paul

Kath Hammerseng

2020 Award Winner

Kath Hammerseng
Edina Realty

Mike Hunstad

2019 Award Winner

Mike Hunstad
Counselor Realty


Meet Ed

Ed Anderson was a larger-than-life figure in the real estate world—funny, intense, and deeply respected by colleagues and politicians alike. As the owner of Lakes Real Estate, he was a dedicated REALTOR® who championed property ownership and saw real estate as a pathway to personal wealth and empowerment. 

Passionate about advocacy, Ed believed that “if real estate is your profession… politics is your business.” He inspired a legacy of political involvement through his work with MN-RPAC. Known for his fundraising skills, sharp mind, and deep connections, he worked tirelessly to make the industry better for future generations. Though he passed away in 1998 due to complications brought on by his battle with Hodgkin's disease, his legacy lives on through the Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award where we recognize a Minnesota Realtor for this shared commitment.


Past Recipients 

2018

Sarah Wisdord, Lake Superior Area

2017

T.J. Simon, Woldd & Simon Real Estate

2016

Rod Helm, Coldwell Banker Burnet, Minneapolis

2015

Len Sarvela, Real Estate Masters, Duluth

2014

Patty Zuzek, Four Sale Real Estate, Burnsville

2013

John Smaby, Edina Realty, Edina

2012

Lynn Leegard, Riverdale Realty, Coon Rapids

2011

Dan Wagner, Coldwell Banker Realty, Rochester

2010

Deanna Wiener, Cardinal Realty Co., Oakdale

2009

John Anderson, Twin Oaks Realty, Crystal

2008

Jim Cormier, Building Sites, Coon Rapids

2007

Barry Gillespie, ERA Gillespie Real Estate, Owatonna

2006

Jim Cormier, Building Sites, Coon Rapids

2005

Tom Meilander, Edina Realty, Rochester

2004

Bill Tschohl, Coldwell Banker Burnet, Eagan

2003

Fran Davis, Coldwell Banker Realty, Minneapolis

2002

Jerry Teeson, Riverdale Realty, Coon Rapids

2001

David May, Burnsville

2000

Marjorie Nolan, Kurilla Real Estate, Nisswa

1999

Jim Stanton, Riverdale Realty, Coon Rapids