Albany State University will honor Realtor and retired banker Patsy Martin tonight at the Student Center Ballroom.

Martin, one of Southwest Georgia's most beloved business leaders, mentors and advocates for the arts and education, will be the guest of honor at the 3rd annual Community Service Award Banquet.

"Patsy is always on the scene, connecting people for the greater good of Albany," said ASU President Everette Freeman. "She is a major advocate for the education we seek to provide our students; and an advocate for the growth and vitality of the city of Albany. You would be hard pressed to find someone who works more and harder for the people of Albany."

Martin is the retired president and regional executive at Bank of America, one of Georgia's largest financial institutions. She supervised the operations of 35 branch offices in 14 counties, including Valdosta, Albany, Waycross, Moultrie, Tifton, Macon, Perry, Forsyth and Warner Robins.

Ten years ago, Martin transitioned from a career in banking to real estate. In 2007, she was voted "Realtor of the Year" by the Albany Board of Realtors. She is a Presidential Awards Million Dollar Club lifetime member and immediate past president of the Albany Board of Realtors.

Former Gov. Roy Barnes recognized her advocacy for the arts with an appointment to the Georgia Rural Development Council and the Georgia Council for the Arts.