By Linda Elissalde
There are many citizens of whom our peninsula can be proud, and Mary Ellen Smith is one who represents all that is best in our Bolivar community. She is presently the first Bolivar Realtor to serve as President of the Galveston Association of Realtors (GAR). However, Ms. Smith has always been a person of accomplishments. She worked as sales manager for AT&T/Southwestern Bell before moving here in 1983. The Corner (a multi-faceted retail business) was her first business. Then she became a licensed Real Estate Agent in 1995; a Broker in 1997. Mary Ellen worked as Broker and President of Beach or Bay Real Estate Inc. for 10 years and was associated with Cobb Real Estate for over 12 years.

Mary Ellen Smith being sworn in by Texas Realtors Region 10 VP, Gail Robinson and Lesley Sommer, Account Executive for the Galveston Association of Realtors

Ms. Smith is a member of the GAR Board. Continuing real estate education has earned her designations such as e-pro (Knowledge of use of technology tools), GRI (Graduate Real Estate Institute), SSFR (Short Sales and Foreclosure), RSPS (Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist), SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist) and ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative).

She has served as President of the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce, President of Galveston County Park Board, been on Bay Vue United Methodist Church Advisory Council and on the Board for Bolivar Peninsula Special Utility District. Mary Ellen was a member of the Bolivar Blueprint Committee after Hurricane IKE. And, if that is not enough, she is currently the Broker/Owner of Mary Ellen Smith Realty Inc. (ME Realty).

Ms. Smith thanked everyone for the privilege of representing the oldest Real Estate Association in Texas.

M.E. (as some friends call her) is far more than all her titles. She is a devoted friend who helps in time of need. Many are the folk who receive financial gifts from an “anonymous” donor. Her favorite charities include Global Giving, and two animal rescues Best Friends and Beaumont Pets Alive. She loves her two exuberant rescue dogs Maltipoo Brandy and Corgipom Zen. While cooking is not her favorite talent, she makes sure that no one ever goes hungry. This busy lady does enjoy downtime by reading, going to movies and plays, watching TV, and just spending time with her myriad friends.

From left to right, Greg Fountain with Swedes RE, Clint Droddy and Tyler Coco with Cobb RE and Gary Kramer, husband of Linda Kramer who is with Cobb RE.

Ms. Smith verbalized her pride in the GAR with her acclaimed acceptance speech. She expressed her gratitude to the late Greg Cobb who had served as friend and mentor and thanked everyone for the privilege of representing the oldest Real Estate Association in Texas. Mary Ellen Smith is a great representative for Bolivar Peninsula, and we are proud of her. She is indeed BOLIVAR’S MARVELOUS MARY ELLEN SMITH!

[1-6-2020]