The Georgia REALTORS (GAR), the largest and leading professional association for real estate agents in the state, recently announced Jimmy Shanken of Hinesville as its 2024 REALTOR of the Year (ROTY). The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 11 during the Georgia REALTORS Annual Conference and Expo in Miramar Beach, Florida.
“The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by Jimmy Shanken throughout his career is a shining example for all our REALTOR members,” said Jim Barner, 2024 GAR president. “We are proud to name him Georgia’s REALTOR of the Year.”
Shanken was one of 35 REALTORS nominated from across Georgia to receive this year’s ROTY award.
“I am truly honored to be named the 2024 Georgia REALTOR of the Year,” Shanken said. “Representing 47,000 of my peers with pride is a responsibility I hold with great respect. I am deeply grateful to my wife and partner, Brigitte; my broker and partner, Leigh Smiley and her team; The Shanken Team; and especially the Hinesville Area Board of REALTORS for their unwavering support in all my endeavors.”
Shanken is involved with the REALTOR association at the local and state levels and has chaired and served on several committees throughout his career. He is active with the Hinesville Area Board of REALTORS (HABR) and was named their ROTY in both 2009 and 2024. Additionally, Shanken has held the Certified International Property Specialist designation since 2009 and the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation since 2020. He also served as president of HABR in 2018 the Savannah RCA in 2019, and is a long-time supporter of the REALTORS Political Action Committee.
In addition to his REALTOR association involvement, Jimmy is actively engaged in his community, serving on the Liberty Country Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Development Authority of Long County, Coastal Georgia Military Affairs Coalition, Greater Savannah Regional Alliance of Economic Development, Hinesville Disabled American Veterans, Hinesville Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Alee Shriners, and the Hinesville Rotary Club. He regularly volunteers with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Hinesville Charter, building beds for children in need.
“As an entrepreneur, it’s important to give back to the community, and for me, that means supporting children,” Shanken added. “My team and I proudly support Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Hinesville Chapter. As the Shriners’ saying goes, No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child.”
Shanken is a top producer in his market, and having received Small Business of the Year from the Liberty County Chamber of Commerce in 2009, 2012, and 2018.