Katesha has been a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for the real estate industry and the Realtor® organizations since becoming a Realtor® in 1998. As Broker-In-Charge at Sweetgrass Realty, her commitment to professionalism, ongoing education, and serving her community has positioned her as an influential leader at the local, state, and national levels. “Being named Realtor of the Year is a profound honor and humbling recognition of a career built on the belief that our industry’s true value is measured by the strength of the communities we help build” said Katesha. Katesha served as CTAR President in 2023 and prior to that held numerous leadership roles, including President of the SC Residential Real Estate Council and Vice Chair of SCR Professional Development. She has also been involved with several committees, serving on the NAR Federal Financing and Housing Policy Committee and the SCR Strategic Planning Committee. Furthermore, Katesha is a proud graduate of CTAR’s Leadership Development Program, where she further strengthened her leadership skills and industry insight. Beyond her committee work, Katesha has been a Reading with Realtors volunteer, helping promote literacy and support local students. She is a member of CTAR’s Distinguished Service Society and an RPAC Major Investor, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to advancing and protecting the real estate profession. “My mission remains clear,” she continued. “To lead with integrity and intentionally lift as I climb, serving as a bridge for others to follow.” Her leadership, service, and dedication continue to elevate our association and inspire those around her.
Each year, we honor one residential, one commercial and one global Realtor® as Realtor® of the Year, who is nominated by their peers and colleagues. The residential Realtor® of the Year is announced during the annual Realtors® of Distinction luncheon, the commercial Realtor® of the Year is revealed during a Commercial Investment Division luncheon and the global Realtor® of the Year is revealed during a Global Business Chapter luncheon.
Gayle joined Carolina One as Realtor® in 2013 after a career in advertising and management in the the newspaper industry. She served as the President of the CTAR Global Business Chapter in 2024. “From the very foundation of our Chapter, Gayle has been an advocate of our growth and direction, stepping up at every turn to lead with passion and grace," noted 2026 Global Business Chapter (GBC) President Joel Torres. "Her dedication has spanned years of service, representing our Chapter with integrity, and has been a champion of our cause locally and at national events. Gayle didn't just hold leadership positions, she embodies the spirit of our community, making her the perfect choice for the 2025 Global Realtor® of the Year award.” Gayle says "It is one of the highlights of my career to accept this recognition, and it is humbling as well. There are many individuals within the Global Business Chapter and its leadership that make our chapter special. Being a part of this group from the beginning, and looking over our progress and growth through the years has been enlightening, educational and a tribute to everyone within the chapter. It has also been an honor to work with this incredible group of Realtors(R) in the chapter through the years and share in their enthusiasm for promoting and assisting within our global communities, families and organizations. I am thankful to Carolina One, CTAR, and the Global Business Chapter for this experience."
Vitré Stephens has been a dedicated leader in her commercial real estate career, bringing nearly two decades of expertise to the Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS® (CTAR) and the Charleston real estate community. As a founding partner of Harbour Commercial Partners specializing in retail sales, leasing, and land sales across South Carolina, she has earned a reputation for professionalism, market knowledge, and dedication to the commercial real estate industry. “Exceptional leadership is defined by a rare balance of hard work and community heart,” noted 2026 Commercial Investment Division (CID) President Cameron Yost. “Vitré demonstrates these qualities every single day. We are proud to honor her as our Commercial REALTOR® of the Year for her dedication to excellence and her devotion to the clients she serves,” said Yost. “I am sincerely honored and grateful to be awarded as CTAR’s Commercial REALTOR® of the Year”, shared Vitré. “This recognition is highly meaningful to me, and I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to my partners, team members, friends, and family for their ongoing support.” Vitré served as President of CID in 2022, following four years on the CID Board of Directors. Her expertise and commitment to the commercial real estate community have made her a valued leader within CTAR’s Commercial Investment Division. Being named the 2025 Commercial REALTOR® of the Year recognizes not only her professional accomplishments but also her dedication to elevating the commercial real estate profession. “We’ve worked with a lot of brokers, and Vitré works harder than anyone I know in commercial real estate,” added Todd Garrett, managing partner at Harbour. “She knows the retail market inside and out, and she gets deals done because other brokers know that they can trust her at her word.” Through her leadership and industry knowledge. Vitré continues to strengthen the Charleston commercial real estate community.