Robert Authier, executive vice president and CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, has been named Jack Conway’s 2010 "Conway Country Citizen of the Year."

Each year, Norwell-based real estate firm Jack Conway recognizes a person who has made contributions and improvements in the state’s real estate, political or human services arena.

Authier, who has 37 years of association management experience in three states, will be honored at the company’s convention to be held on Feb. 5 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Norwood.

"Each year, our committee chooses an individual who has stood out from the crowd and made a difference for our industry and our community," said Conway CEO Carol Bulman. "Rob has done both. It was a unanimous decision."

As head of MAR, Authier leads the parent organization for 16 real estate associations in the state. He oversees numerous services for the group’s 20,000 members and implements policies designed to ensure Realtors abide by a code of professional ethics.

He is a former CEO of the Virginia and New Hampshire Realtor associations, and the 2008 recipient of the William R. Magel Award of Excellence from the National Association of Realtors.

"I’m thrilled to be named the Conway Country Citizen of the Year," said Authier, a Harvard resident and graduate of Boston University’s College of Communications. "I’m joining a truly remarkable list of past honorees, including my esteemed predecessor, the late Milton H. Shaw."