Melanie Pysden
Melanie Pysden embodies selfless service and dedication to both the Whatcom REALTOR® Association and the community at large. Since becoming a member of the association in 2010, Melanie has worked tirelessly to educate REALTOR® members about residential lending processes, programs, and how best to strategize lending efforts to best meet the REALTOR® clients' needs. Melanie routinely served for many years on our Banking and Finance Committee, the committee that organized lender panels at our monthly membership meetings, but also advised the WCAR Board of Directors on investments and money management of association finances. Melanie's service to the Board of Directors culminated with her service as Treasurer-Elect in 2021 and WCAR Treasurer in 2022, a role in which she excelled as she revamped our accounting formats and reporting to better aid the Board in making financial decisions. This year, Melanie has been instrumental in assisting our new Treasurer and Treasurer-Elect following the sudden death of our 2023 Treasurer, including numerous meetings with the accounting team and staff to ensure a smooth transition.
Melanie's work with other organizations in Whatcom County, particularly those associated with domestic violence prevention and housing, is well-known. She has served as title sponsor for both Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services golf tournament (10 years) and the Lydia Place survivor shelter bowling tournament (6 years). Melanie's Warm Winter Gear and Sock Drive is an event in Whatcom County that distributes over 1,000 pieces of winter gear to unsheltered persons annually. If that were not enough, Melanie and her son volunteer for Animals as Natural Therapy, tending horses and other farm animals used in that program's youth efforts, and works with veteran organizations, educating veterans on VA benefits and working to secure home loans so veterans can become homeowners, including working with veterans in theater so they have homes to return to after their tours of duty!
Melanie has worked to introduce new lenders to Whatcom and Skagit Counties for the past 11 years, work that has not only earned her the admiration of her colleagues but also of REALTORS® and our clients in the northwest corner of Washington State. Melanie's selfless efforts have inspired many of us in the REALTOR® organization to strive for quality community engagement, genuine contributions to our clients and neighbors, and giving back to the industry in which we all work. Please join WCAR in recognizing Melanie Pysden for her acts of service to our members and the community by awarding her the 2022 Washington REALTORS® Affiliate of the Year Award.