SPOTLIGHT ON: Aimee DeCesare
Mary Prenon | March 6, 2018
A Career Volunteer
For Aimee DeCesare, it was a temp job 10 years ago that launched her real estate career. Today, the Executive Director of the Eric Stein Team at RE/MAX Distinguished Homes & Properties in Bronxville is also a new member of HGAR’s Board of Directors.
“It was supposed to be a two-week assignment,” recalls DeCesare. “But after that, they asked me to work full time as the office administrator.” At the time, Bonnie Koff, the current Co-Chair of the HG Realtor Foundation Committee, was managing the former Prudential Richard Albert Realtors in Croton-on-Hudson. The office later became North Country Sotheby’s International Realty. “I’ve known Bonnie a long time, and she actually got me involved with the Realtor Foundation” added DeCesare.
As Administration and Marketing Manager for North Country Sotheby’s, DeCesare handled everything from overseeing the website, to social media and marketing. She did earn her real estate license later, but continued as an employee in an administrative role. “I’ve always enjoyed helping the agents and being an asset to the office,” she said
She recently made the move to RE/MAX after a 10-year stint in Croton. In her new role, she continues to support the agents with anything they need to be successful. “The thing I love about working in this industry is that agents and brokers are changing lives through homeownership, “she said. “Whether it is a first-time homebuyer or an investor, we’re collectively supporting the American Dream.”
DeCesare is just as passionate about her volunteering with the HG Realtor Foundation Committee and as a first-time HGAR Director. “It’s such an honor to be a Board member of this organization. I’ve met so many interesting people,” she said.
As for her involvement with the HG Realtor Foundation, DeCesare admits it’s almost impossible to say “no” to Bonnie Koff, but she was sold on it from the very first Pub Night at the former Pax Romana in White Plains in 2015. “It was my introduction to the foundation and it was a huge event,” she recalled. “The place was packed!” From that point on, DeCesare became a very active Foundation Committee member.
“Once you get involved, you meet people that welcome you and you naturally want to support the cause. Then when you get fired up, you meet more people and get them involved. It’s really great for new members,” she said.
DeCesare is always a staple at just about every HG Realtor Foundation Pub Night, or Gala. She’s also an avid RPAC supporter, attending events all over the Hudson Valley.
Of course, DeCesare is no stranger to volunteering. Born and raised in Yonkers, she began helping out at the Hudson River Museum while still in high school. She was nominated to enter its junior docent program, which trains students to become leaders and connect with the local community.
“I met so many people and it was such an enriching experience for me,” she said. Her roles throughout the years included leading the summer camp group, giving tours, helping with social events and more. “It was such great training and got me very used to talking with people I didn’t know. It definitely helped me with my real estate career.”
DeCesare credits her mother for instilling her with that “go-give” spirit. “My mom volunteered for just about everything – PTA, church, political campaigns and more,” she added. “She was the type of person who hated the phrase ‘charity begins at home.’”
Last year, DeCesare was honored as one of HGAR’s “Up & Coming” Award winners at the Annual Member Appreciation Day. The new award pays tribute to HGAR members who have recently become actively involved in councils, committees, and/or the Board of Directors. “I was truly surprised and truly honored,” she said.
It seems DeCesare is actually following in her own footsteps, as she was also the recipient of a Spirit Award from Volunteer New York, while a high school senior. She was recognized as its Volunteer of the Year Youth Honoree. “When the HG Realtor Foundation chose Volunteer New York as a well-deserving grant recipient, things came full circle for me because this organization truly inspired me from a young age to do more for our community,” she added.
In addition to learning the ropes at her new position with RE/MAX, and giving her time as an HGAR Board member and HG Realtor Foundation committee member, DeCesare still squeezes out some extra time for the Hudson River Museum. Most recently, she helped the museum host an “HRM After Dark” networking event at the museum. Designed for young professionals, the event included gallery tours and a Planetarium show. This spring the museum is planning a paint night and yoga in the courtyard.
If that’s not enough, she’s also a member of NAHREP, Westchester/Bronx Chapter and recently joined the Women’s Council of Realtors.
The little free time the Ossining resident has is devoted to dancing and soccer. “I’m a big soccer fan,” DeCesare admitted. In fact, many a weekend you’re likely to find her at the Playwright Irish Pub in Manhattan, among the Real Madrid Supporters Club.
She also loves taking advantage of the Hudson River towns and river walkways, and is looking forward to the warmer weather for hiking and rollerblading.
DeCesare sums up what she values most in her career with a few key phrases: connecting people, sharing ideas, making people feel included, and helping others. “There’s an old saying that ‘one log makes a lousy fire’,” she explained. “When you have everyone involved in a cause, you can always accomplish a lot more.”
HGAR, Director of Communications