Lee & Associates - Atlanta celebrated a milestone moment at the firm’s 2026 Lee Summit this week as President & CEO Dave Howard received the prestigious Bill Lee Award, one of the highest individual honors within Lee & Associates.

Named in honor of Lee & Associates founder Bill Lee, the Bill Lee Award recognizes individuals who embody the entrepreneurial spirit, culture, values, and leadership principles that define the company. In presenting the award, Lee & Associates CEO Jeff Rinkov reflected on Howard’s leadership and lasting influence on the organization.

“Dave is the kind of leader who pushes people to become the best version of themselves,” said Rinkov. “He sets high expectations because he genuinely believes in the people around him and wants them to succeed. He is fiercely loyal, a true man of his word, and someone who leads from the front.”

Rinkov also noted Howard’s unwavering commitment to the firm’s culture and mission.

“Most importantly, Dave embodies what Lee & Associates stands for. He is the ultimate ambassador for the company, representing our culture, values, and entrepreneurial spirit everywhere he goes.”

Howard joined Lee & Associates in 2020 and quickly established a reputation for inspiring growth, fostering collaboration, and challenging teams to reach new levels of performance.

Through his energetic leadership style, commitment to people, and relentless focus on excellence, he has helped strengthen the firm’s culture while positioning it for continued success.

The Lee Summit also highlighted the exceptional accomplishments of professionals across the Atlanta office. The firm earned national awards for Excellence in Marketing, Excellence in Research, and the Humanitarian Award, recognizing the collective efforts of its brokers and support teams. The Marketing and Research awards recognize Atlanta’s teams as among the best in the Lee & Associates’ network, distinguishing them among more than 85 offices across North America.

Together, these honors reflect the strength of the Atlanta team, the firm’s commitment to excellence, and the culture of leadership and collaboration that continues to drive success throughout the organization.