Past Alabama Association of REALTORS® President Morgan Ashurst, CCM, CRS, has worn many hats serving his local and state REALTORS® associations in virtually every leadership role possible as well as on important national posts.  Ashurst received the 2023 David D. Roberts Award recently at the AAR annual convention at The Lodge at Gulf State Park. Presented annually, the award is named for David D. Roberts, a distinguished Alabama REALTOR® who served as president of the National Association of REALTORS® in 1985. The award recognizes the REALTOR® who has contributed greatly to AAR, NAR, and his local board/association for at least 20 years. 

Ashurst embarked on his real estate leadership path, with the encouragement of a friend, by first serving with his local Baldwin County Board of REALTORS® after he began his real estate career some 20 years ago.  Since then, it would be difficult to find a leadership role in which he hasn’t served and excelled.  “I believe everyone has a gift to serve but they need to be encouraged to take the first step.  We are called to serve -- not to better our business -- but for our business,” he explained.

Nominated by his local association, Ashurst was described as being instrumental in AAR’s sound financial footing and advocating for additional services to AAR members such as a health insurance program and errors and omissions insurance coverage. Leading a statewide association can be a challenge but was especially so as Ashurst led AAR through the global pandemic. “His calm, steady leadership help guide AAR through the daily challenges and efforts to protect our member's ability to work through the pandemic.”  Ashurst was honored last year by AAR as 2022 Alabama REALTOR® of the Year.

Ashurst is the owner and qualifying broker of Ashurst and Niemeyer in Fairhope, Alabama, where he began his real estate career in 2002.  He said he was surprised by the award and the tribute. “I was sitting with my wife, Allison, and my mom which made the night even more special.  Mom, Judy Niemeyer, is a REALTOR®, my business partner and mentor, so it was truly awesome for her to see me win the award.”

At the local level, Ashurst served his local association as president and on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other leadership roles. In 2016, he was recognized as the Baldwin County REALTOR® of the Year.  

At the state level, he served on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and other leadership roles including Vice President and President.  Following his term as president, the AAR Past Presidents elected Morgan to serve as a Past President Director on the AAR Board of Directors. He also has chaired the Public Policy Committee, Credentials and Elections Committee, Audit Task Force, REALTOR® of the Year Task Force, Governance Review PAG, Past President’s Advisory Group, and served on the Alabama REALTORS® Political Action Committee, and many other committees and workgroups.

Ashurst’s service at the national level came with a significant win for REALTORS®.  While serving as AAR President and NAR Director, NAR asked Alabama to be the lead plaintiff to challenge the nationwide federal eviction moratorium to defend private property rights. These efforts led to the United States Supreme Court overturning the federal eviction moratorium. The historic court ruling was one of the most significant in the history of NAR and AAR.  Ashurst also served NAR on the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Investments Advisory group that is charged with overseeing NAR’s financial reserves and investments. He currently serves in an advocacy role for NAR as the Federal Political Coordinator for Congressman Jerry Carl of Alabama’s First Congressional District.

Active in his community across a broad range of charities and community organizations, Ashurst has a deep faith and shares a weekly devotional and inspirational message with his friends, colleagues and family each Monday and Thursday. “When I was AAR President, my favorite verse and slogan was Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron,” Ashurst said.  “Serving is a way to sharpen those around you in an industry we all love.”