TEXAS AUCTIONEER NAMED

2019 NAA WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL AUCTIONEER CHAMPION

NEW ORLEANS – Morgan Hopson, of Bonham, Texas was recently named champion of the National Auctioneers Association’s (NAA) 2019 International Auctioneer Championship (IAC) at the NAA’s 70^th Annual Conference & Show at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, La.

The National Auctioneers Association estimates that only 17 percent of auctioneers nationwide are women. The 30-year-old, first-generation auctioneer, Hopson, isn’t merely participating in the male-dominated field; she’s taking it by storm, recently being named the 2019 Texas State Champion Auctioneer as well. Prior to Hopson being named champion of the IAC, only 56 other men and women, internationally, hold the distinct honor of winning this prestigious contest.

“It was my privilege to share the stage with 68 competitors, in the men’s and women’s divisions, from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Ireland, who are some of the best and brightest auctioneers in our industry,” Hopson said. “I am extremely honored and very humbled to have been named the NAA’s 2019 Women’s International Auctioneer Champion and look forward to serving as an ambassador for our industry.”

Twenty-two women competed for the honor to be known as one of the best auction professionals in the world. Hopson, Certified Auctioneers Institute (CAI), received a $5,000 cash award, trophy, and championship ring. Seven judges scored contestants on poise, command and bid calling ability in a preliminary bid-calling round, an interview round with three industry questions, and a final round of bid-calling for the top seven competitors. The revered competition is held in a single day in front of live attendees with tens of thousands of viewers on IAC Live! via Facebook and YouTube.

Hopson will represent the NAA and the entire auction industry throughout this year with her co-champion from the men’s division, Trey Morris, of Murray, Ky. Both will serve as ambassadors for the NAA by speaking to other trade groups, professional associations, and national and international media outlets about the power of the auction method of marketing and the professionalism of members of the NAA.

One of the highlights of the year, for the champions, will be a special trip to conduct the annual NAA Toy Auction for patients and their siblings at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. The NAA formed its partnership with St. Jude in 1995. To date, it has raised more than $5.5 million in support of St. Jude to help advance cures and means of prevention for catastrophic pediatric diseases through research and treatment.

Hopson, originally from Bonham, TX, is an auction professional and real estate associate, licensed in both Texas and Oklahoma, with United Country Buford Resources Real Estate & Auction specializing in selling farm and ranch land, hunting properties and luxury real estate at auction. Hopson also specializes in consulting with non-profits and associations to help them meet their fundraising goals through live auction and special appeals. She travels throughout Texas, Oklahoma and the Midwest conducting benefit auctions and works with organizations such as the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, Community Bankers Association of Oklahoma and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas. Outside of the auction industry, Hopson is passionate about giving back to the community and is currently serving in a leadership role for the Junior League of Oklahoma City.

Hopson attended Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts. “My business and music background serves me well as an auction professional. As an auctioneer, we are often entrusted with our client’s most treasured asset, whether that is real estate or their biggest fundraising opportunity of the year. Having problem-solving skills, being able to listen to our clients’ goals and needs, and bringing a professional presence to the stage while evoking emotion from our audience is key,” Hopson said.

“Being named the 2019 NAA International Auctioneer Champion is something that I do not take for granted,” said Hopson. “Throughout the year, I look forward to promoting and educating others about our great association and the auction method of marketing as I serve as an ambassador for the NAA. This association has had an incredible impact on my life. It’s truly an honor to be given the opportunity to represent auctioneers and auction professionals around the world.”