HomeServices adds coaching pro, brokerage CEO to executive team 

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.

HomeServices creates new coaching, growth roles as executive team expands

HomeServices of America announced two new executive hires this week as it continues to fill out its leadership team under President and CEO Chris Kelly, who took the helm in April. Both positions are newly created roles for the company: chief coaching officer and vice president for core services integrations. 

The coaching role was filled by Jimmy Burgess, a longtime brokerage leader and national speaker, who will also serve as president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Beach Properties of Florida. He has coached thousands of real estate agents and created a wealth of training resources throughout his career, according to HomeServices.

In his new position, he will design and execute company-wide coaching programs for agents and brokerage leaders at all levels of experience. "This national role reflects our commitment to investing in people, performance, and long-term growth," Kelly said in a news release, adding that coaching "is a necessity in today's market."

Burgess echoed Kelly's sentiment, noting that the creation of the role "speaks volumes about our agent-centric approach to our organization. The more skills we equip our agents with, the more successful they will be in serving the needs of their clients."

Joining the company as VP of core services integrations is brokerage leader Renee Gonzales, who will be tasked with strengthening operational alignment and driving growth across its national network.

Gonzales will retain her current role as CEO of Tucson-based Long Realty, a HomeServices affiliate, while working closely with other brokerage leaders and core service teams to enhance adoption of mortgage, title and insurance services, the company said. 

In the announcement, HomeServices President and CEO Chris Kelly said Gonzales brings an "exceptional track record of performance and partnership" to the role and that her "leadership reflects the type of thoughtful, field-informed strategy that will help us continue delivering a seamless, end-to-end experience for consumers."

In the highly competitive brokerage space, Gonzales noted that she sees an "opportunity to lead the industry" and create value for the company by "empowering agents, aligning strategy, and building relationships that help every company in our network thrive." 

These are the latest of several leadership changes at HomeServices since Kelly replaced Gino Blefari as CEO. In May, the company announced that CFO Alex Seavall's role had been expanded to include operations, while BHHS New England Properties CEO Candace Adams was moving into the executive vice president position vacated by Kelly. Brenda Maher was named president of BHHS New England and New York Properties, with Adams staying on as chair.

Nationwide Mortgage Bankers announces new C-level role

Nationwide Mortgage Bankers (NMB) has named Chris Allen as its new chief culture officer, an appointment that reflects the company's commitment "to a culture that puts people first," NMB President Michael Brennan said in a news release. 

Allen previously served as chief talent officer at Movement Mortgage, where he helped scale the company to over 4,000 employees and earned recognition for creating a purpose-driven, people-first culture, NMB said. He oversaw initiatives including Movement University, a talent development platform, and the Thrive Department, which emphasized holistic employee wellness. 

At NMB, Allen will collaborate with other senior leaders to drive leadership development, employee engagement and organizational alignment efforts. He will also spearhead the NMB Leadership Academy, which will focus on establishing a unified operating system and clear performance goals.