Inman has learned that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) CEO search is in high gear with the official search committee interviewing as many as nine candidates last week in Chicago.
The pool of candidates has been narrowed to at least four finalists including at least one woman, according to multiple sources who chose to remain anonymous for this article.
The final pool of four is expected to include current NAR executive Bob Goldberg and at least one leading real estate industry executive, along with someone outside the industry, according to sources close to the search.
In December, NAR announced that “a diverse member search committee” had been appointed to work with the search firm to recruit candidates. Chaired by Chris Polychron and vice-chaired by Cathy Whatley, the search committee solicited feedback from NAR members for what they’d like to see in a CEO before putting together the job description.
Inman has reached out to NAR for comment.
The association has hired executive search firm (instead of a traditional real estate recruiter) and is using a partner with heavy association experience who’s based in Washington, D.C. Bill Hudson is the Heidrick & Struggles senior advisor tasked with helping NAR find a new leader.
“Reporting to the President and the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will serve as NAR’s lead staff member and oversee annual revenues of over $200 million,” reads the CEO job description, which goes on to state that the association seeks someone from inside or outside the industry who’s “ready to help NAR tackle the trends, challenges and opportunities facing the real estate industry.”
According to NAR, those trends, challenges and opportunities include (but are not limited to):
- “the legislative landscape, including tax reform and advocacy components focusing on consumer and Realtor engagement”
- “disruptive technology influences”
- “growth of the NAR brand and the professionalism of its membership”
- “communication within and between levels of the association”
- “maintaining the relevance of the association, the industry and its membership”
“It is likely that the successful candidates will have strong prior experience leading a significant trade association, professional society, or other large and multipart business. Qualified candidates will likely possess a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience with at least ten years in executive positions,” adds the job description.
Current NAR CEO Dale Stinton recently announced his retirement at the end of this year.
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