Chrissy Hartley, a Realtor in Fort Walton Beach, was honored as the Humanitarian of the Year at the Florida Realtors 2024 Convention & Trade Expo on Thursday.

• Hartley, a member of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors (ECAR), was recognized for her extensive community service and dedication to helping others in Okaloosa County.

Born and raised in Fort Walton Beach, Hartley has been a Realtor and residential property manager with Dream Team Realty since 2008. Her passion for volunteer work began in her early teens, leading to a lifelong commitment to community service.

“I live life daily with the motto ‘Love God, Love People,'” Hartley said.

Hartley’s humanitarian efforts include chairing the Building Homes for Heroes Taskforce in 2023 and 2024. Under her leadership, the committee raised $27,621 for the organization in 2023, which was matched by a private donor, bringing the total to nearly $60,000. This marked the highest amount raised since the event’s inception in 2014.

One of the beneficiaries of these efforts was retired Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Day, a Bronze Star recipient who lost his leg in an IED blast in Afghanistan. The funds raised have contributed to providing Day with a mortgage-free home.

• “It’s truly an honor to serve the men and women who have courageously served and sacrificed for our country,” Hartley said. “Through my volunteer work at the Association and with Building Homes for Heroes, I’m able to help wounded veterans, as well as share my real estate contacts and professional connections to make something really unbelievable and amazing happen for someone who really needs it.”

In addition to her work with Building Homes for Heroes, Hartley serves as the PTO president at Cinco Christian School and is active in various church committees, including Stewardship, School, and Pastor Search. She is also a member of Okaloosa 100 Woman’s Charity and dedicates time to organizations like Food for Thought on a weekly basis.

Hartley’s commitment to community service extends beyond monetary donations. She believes in the importance of hands-on volunteer work, dedicating approximately 10 hours per week to various causes.

“Her heart and soul are in every aspect of the event,” said a representative from ECAR, referring to the annual Bowling for a Cause event benefiting Building Homes for Heroes. “She is not just leading meetings, she’s making calls, securing sponsors, running the errands, receiving payments, managing spreadsheets, creating documents, making auction and gift baskets and fine tuning every little detail.”

Hartley balances her community involvement with her career in real estate and her role as a wife and mother of three young boys. She manages to dedicate a minimum of 40 hours per week to her real estate profession while still finding time for her extensive volunteer work.

• “To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart,” Hartley said, quoting Thomas Watson.

Hartley’s previous accolades include the Fort Walton Beach Realtor of the Year in 2021, Property Manager of the Year in 2022, and recognition as one of United Way Emerald Coast’s 40 Under 40 in 2022. She is also a graduate of ECAR’s Leadership Academy and continues her education each year by completing a variety of real estate-related classes.

The Humanitarian of the Year Award honors Florida Realtors members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to improving their communities through volunteer work.