By Lilli Dubler, Building Kentucky
Kentucky REALTORS® Past President Mike Inman
Kentucky REALTORS® announced Brenda Gooslin as the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year and Helen Fardo as the 2025 Distinguished Service Award recipient at the 2026 Leadership Installation in Louisville on September 23.
Brenda is a lifelong Kentuckian who has served Kentucky REALTORS® for more than 20 years. She has served on numerous committees at both local and state levels, including three terms as a member of the Kentucky REALTORS® Board of Directors. Brenda also previously led the Kentucky REALTOR® Institute as its president. In addition to receiving the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year award, she is also the recipient of the 2025 Kentucky REALTORS® President’s Award.
Prior to obtaining her real estate and broker licenses, Brenda taught and served many roles in the Pike County School District for more than 28 years, including guidance counselor, instructional supervisor, and interim superintendent As a REALTOR®, she has been a tireless champion for improving the quality and quantity of real estate education.
Brenda is so passionate about education that she regularly exceeds the education requirements for real estate continuing education and has completed 70 hours in just the past three years. She has completed the Certified of Residential Specialist (CRS), and Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) certifications and the Commitment to Excellence (C2EX) designations, among others.
“Brenda is an incredible REALTOR®, and I’m proud to call her a friend. It was an honor to present her with the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year award for her commitment to our industry, our association and our values as REALTORS®,” Kentucky REALTORS® Past President and 2023 REALTOR® of the Year Mike Inman said.
Helen Fardo, who received the 2025 Distinguished Service Award, is a REALTOR® who has rendered exceptional service over a number of years. She has made extraordinary contributions to the local, state, and national associations throughout her career, and she continues to be a dedicated servant leader in her community.
Helen was licensed by the Real Estate Commission in 1980 after a short teaching career. She has been actively involved with her local board for much of her real estate career and served as Bluegrass REALTORS® president more than once. Her previous involvement at the state level includes having served on several committees and having held the Delegate, Director At Large, and Treasurer positions.
“Helen’s passion for the business, the industry and her clients is unparalleled. We proudly presented her with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award – it’s very well deserved,” Kentucky REALTORS® President Barb Curtis said.
