New president focused on ‘furthering the business’ of NAR
Kevin Sears stepped into the leadership role earlier this week, and in his first public message, shared his priorities for the association.
Key points:
- Sears is NAR's third president in less than five months.
- In a video address, Sears told members that the association is focused on its core business functions.
- Priorities for NAR are centered around legal challenges, core operations and advocacy.
NAR President Kevin Sears, who took on the role nearly a year early, is seeking to assure members that the organization will remain focused on the business at hand despite its recent turmoil.
In his first formal statement to NAR members, Sears said in a video address on Jan. 10 that he's "ready, willing and able" to lead the National Association of Realtors after Tracy Kasper's abrupt departure on Jan. 8. Kasper — who also stepped into the role early — resigned as president just four months into her tenure after receiving a blackmail threat.
Sears is now the third president to serve NAR since the end of August.
On Aug. 28, Kenny Parcell resigned two days after a New York Times exposé detailed allegations of sexual harassment by Parcell and a "culture of fear" within the organization. Kasper, then president-elect, moved into the role with the stated goal of rebuilding and regaining member trust.
An all-business message
In his video message, Sears didn't dwell on his early ascension to the role, although he did say he was saddened by Kasper's resignation. And notably, he did not touch on the harassment allegations or address any of the criticisms NAR has faced in recent months.
Instead, Sears spent much of the two-minute video discussing the importance of "furthering the business of the association," noting that legal, business and advocacy challenges take top priority.
On legal challenges: Sears said NAR recognizes the significance of the Sitzer/Burnett decision and understands "what is at stake for our members, brokerages, associations, and most importantly, consumers," adding that NAR leadership "is focused on executing the best strategy moving forward."
On advocacy: Sears highlighted NAR's lobbying efforts at the national, state and local levels, saying the association "intends to use every opportunity possible to communicate NAR's pro-consumer, pro-competitive values and mission," echoing statements the association has made in response to lawsuits alleging anti-competitive practices.
On NAR's CEO: Sears praised Interim CEO Nykia Wright, who was appointed to the role following another early resignation. Former CEO Bob Goldberg, who planned to retire at the end of 2024, instead announced plans to step down in November, just days after the jury reached its verdict in the landmark Sitzer/Burnett trial. Sears said Wright is providing "strong and steady leadership to ensure that the core operations of the association continue to adapt and deliver as these unusual circumstances demand."
Who is Kevin Sears?
Sears is a broker/partner at Sears Real Estate in Springfield, Mass. Throughout his decades in the industry, Sears held a variety of association leadership roles before rising to president of NAR. That includes 16 years on NAR's board of directors and 23 years as a federal political coordinator. In 2010 he also served as president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.