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Industry veteran Sherry Chris has joined the National Association of Realtors as an independent consultant and special advisor to CEO Nykia Wright, the association announced on Monday morning.
Chris will engage with the professional association to help it build relationships, trust and grow its collaboration with brokerage leaders, as the industry continues to adjust to a post-settlement landscape, NAR said in a press release.
Nykia Wright
“Sherry brings unmatched expertise and a unique, well-informed perspective on the real estate brokerage landscape, which will be critical as we enhance NAR’s collaboration with industry partners and drive stronger alignment across the sector,” Wright said in a statement. “Her ability to build meaningful connections and offer forward-thinking perspectives will help guide NAR’s approach to meeting the complex and varied needs of the real estate community.”
Chris spent nearly two decades at Anywhere Real Estate Inc., and before that, served as CEO of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) and ERA Real Estate. Previously she was COO for Coldwell Banker Real Estate.
While at BHGRE and ERA, Chris helped the brands grow substantially, with BHGRE increasing its footprint to over 40 states and six countries, and ERA reaching 43 states and 34 countries.
In late December, Chris announced that she would be stepping down from her advisory role at Anywhere. Prior to that, she had retired in the spring of 2023.
Sherry Chris
“I am honored to work alongside Nykia and the leadership team at NAR during such an important time for our industry,” Chris said in a statement. “My goal is to better understand the concerns and priorities of brokerage leaders across the country and help create solutions that drive trust, value and collaboration for the very many important stakeholders in real estate.”
Apart from her leadership roles at an executive level, Chris has also been deeply involved in a number of member and advocacy groups within the industry, including NAR’s Real Estate Services Advisory Group, where she served as board chair, The Realty Alliance, where she became the first female board chair, and the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, where she was a founding corporate member.
NAR President Kevin Sears said her extensive industry experience made her extremely qualified to guide NAR through its next chapter.
Kevin Sears
“Having known Sherry for nearly a decade, I know firsthand that she is well equipped to provide the kind of leadership and insight that comes from years of experience, rising [in] the ranks from a practitioner to a branch and regional manager and finally as a leader at the helm of several major brokerages and brands — a unique perspective that speaks to the diverse needs of our members,” Sears said in a statement.
“Her extensive leadership experience with brokerages both large and small provides her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the industry,” he continued. “Sherry’s ability to build relationships and foster collaboration will be instrumental in strengthening connections and ensuring NAR remains a trusted partner for the entire real estate community.”
Anywhere wished Chris the best in her next endeavor.
“We thank Sherry for her impactful leadership and many contributions during her time at Anywhere, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter,” a spokesperson for Anywhere told Inman in an email.
Chris was named to the RISMedia Newsmakers Hall of Fame in 2021 and was a HousingWire Woman of Influence in 2021 as well. She has also been named one of Inman’s 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders and a leader in the Swanepoel Power 200 list.
Her work with Wright will include building a dialogue with brokerage leaders to learn about their needs and concerns about the future of the industry, including how NAR can better support brokerages and their agents.
