Kim Cox, CEO of the 419-member Ozark Gateway Association of REALTORS® in Joplin, Mo., received the Terry McDermott Community Leadership Award during the AE Institute in March. This award was created to honor an AE who has shown outstanding leadership and commitment in helping others outside of his or her regular association duties.

Since the devastating tornado hit Joplin on May 22, 2011, Cox has been a driving force in the recovery efforts for both the REALTOR® family and the community at large. Following the tornado that killed 161 people, injured more than 900, and damaged or destroyed 7,500 houses and apartments, Cox and her staff checked with each and every REALTOR® office to learn of the status of all her members.

As the community’s needs became known, Cox worked with the state office to share information statewide to make the collection and distribution of relief supplies more effective and efficient. She then turned her Joplin association office, which was miraculously spared, into a relief supply collection point and distribution center.

Cox was heavily involved in identifying housing needs for the 8,000 families who lost their homes and still works with city planners and developers today to ensure those needs are met.

Cox plans to donate the $500 McDermott Award check to the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Missouri.

REALTOR AE, Spring 2012

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