Real Estate Executive Named a Dame

NAI Capital Chief Financial Officer Rachel Howitt recently was recognized by the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George — United States Delegation, an ancient and internationally recognized dynastic Order of Knighthood, for decades of charitable work. Howitt received recognition was named Dame of the Royal Order of Francis I, a non-denominational order by His Royal Highness Prince Carlo, of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duke of Castro. The honor, an order of chivalry, is given to inspire others to do great deeds. Former recipients of the award include astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Lisa Swayze, the widow of actor Patrick Swayze, for her service in the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Howitt, who received the honor in Los Angeles last month, has served as a member of the board of directors for Step Up Vets, which provides occupation and transition vocational training for disabled veterans following military service. “It’s important to transition back into normal life as [veterans] will now know it, rather than what happened after World War II when the government left them at the side of the street to be homeless,” Howitt said. Howitt is also a co-chair of the Tiger Club, a fundraising arm for the Athletic Department for Occidental College. Bill Hayes, retired founder of Windsor Financial Corporation, also was honored as a Knight of the Royal Order of Francis I for his charitable contributions in the San Fernando Valley, Howitt said. —Meg Boberg