People on the Move: A C-suite shakeup at HomeServices of America
Christy Budnick is out after three years as HSF Affiliates CEO; Gino Blefari to take on dual CEO roles. Plus, a new VP of operations at United.
Editor's note: As an industry with millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerage companies, new leaders rise to the top every day. Here we highlight executives and other notable leaders who've recently taken on, or stepped away from, roles that influence the residential real estate landscape.
Christy Budnick to vacate CEO role
Longtime Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices leader Christy Budnick is stepping down from her role as CEO of HSF Affiliates, the company's flagship franchise brand. The move is effective June 3.
Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America, will also take on the role of CEO of HSF Affiliates, the company confirmed.
Steve Ladd, who had been chief financial officer of HSF Affiliates, has been named chief operating officer, overseeing franchise network operations.
"The last three years have been the best of my professional career to date, and I'm honored to have been chosen to lead this great brand," Budnick said.
"I am so proud of our network and the professionals that work tirelessly to guide buyers and sellers on their home selling and buying journeys."
Budnick had been CEO of HSF Affiliates since 2021, and before that served as president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty, a company founded by her mother and mentor, Linda Sherrer.
The changes are the latest significant move from HomeServices of America, which was the last defendant to the landmark Sitzer/Burnett commissions case. In April, the company agreed to pay $250 million to settle — the largest amount of any brokerage involved in the lawsuits so far.
United Real Estate names operations VP
Leigh Ann Bogran has been promoted to VP of operations at United Real Estate, the company announced.
Bogran joined United two years ago as director of strategic project management, where she developed programs to benefit the company's more than 20,400 agents and 156 franchise offices. Prior to United, Bogran spent nearly six years in project management and marketing at brokerage firm Latter & Blum.
As VP of operations, she will lead initiatives and drive the delivery of services aimed at bolstering agent success. United President Rick Haase said Bogran's track record speaks for itself: "Her outstanding project management skills, dedication to desired outcomes, and her skill in developing efficient workflows have consistently led to strong results."
He also highlighted Bogran's embodiment of the company's "values of caring and improving individual results for team members."
Looking back on her time with United thus far, Bogran said that "working with a talented team of leaders who inspire me, both at a local and national level, has been a remarkable experience. As our industry drives toward positive changes, United Real Estate and our leadership team continue to keep our agents' and brokers' success a top priority. I am looking forward to continuing to use my talents to operationalize our value proposition and drive positive outcomes for our clients, brokers and agents."