According to Helen Carter, RCE, CAE, the Recommendations and Recognition Subcommittee Chair who presented the award, the words "integrity," "intelligence," "professionalism," and "humility" had all been used to describe the award winner. An active NAR committee member and director over the years, Authier is also credited with playing an integral role in progressing NAR initiatives for AEs, including moving the RCE Designation online and co-authoring the REALTOR® Association Models Online Planning Tool. This year he is a liaison for five Association Executive Committee workgroups and is serving on the NAR Research Committee and the NAR Board of Directors.

The William R. Magel Award of Excellence is presented annually to an individual who has truly excelled in his or her role as an association executive of a local or state association of REALTORS® and who is active in the REALTOR® organization. Authier will be recognized with a plaque at the Board of Directors Meeting during the 2008 REALTORS Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla.