NAR adds seasoned litigator; Baltimore association hires CEO 

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.

NAR's legal team grows

The National Association of Realtors is adding a new legal expert to its team with the appointment of Andowah Newton, who will serve as the trade association's vice president, litigation, and associate general counsel. She will officially step into the role on Aug. 25.

Newton is an experienced litigator who has worked with nonprofits and corporate brands alike. She worked at law firms Hogan Lovells and Mintz before moving to LVMH, where she served as the global luxury company's vice president, legal affairs and head of litigation. Newton also founded the Ryan Andrews Newton Fund in 2017 and continues to serve as the youth empowerment nonprofit's president.

Newton said in a NAR press release that she is excited to embrace her new role "at such a pivotal moment for the organization and the real estate industry at large."

"I look forward to supporting our members, protecting the integrity of the profession, and ensuring NAR remains a strong, trusted advocate for property rights and housing access," she added.

Jon Waclawski, who became NAR's general counsel and senior vice president, legal earlier this year, said Newton "brings a valuable combination of litigation experience, financial acumen, and strategic judgment." He praised her experience "managing complex legal matters" and her "hands-on understanding of nonprofit compliance and governance," both of which he said make her "exceptionally well-suited to guide NAR's litigation strategy in this evolving landscape."

GBBR welcomes new top executive

The Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors (GBBR) has named a new CEO following the retirement of Alan R. Ingraham. John S. Geha, a real estate professional with over 35 years of senior leadership experience, began his new job on Aug. 1 as Ingraham stepped away after 13 years at the association's helm.

Geha previously served as CEO of Columbus Realtors in Ohio and the London and St. Thomas Association of Realtors in Canada. He focused on strategic planning while at each organization, according to a GBBR press release, and has also worked with NAR on key industry issues, including data management, research and affordable housing.

GBBR 2025 President Ryan Cottrell praised Geha's "vision and experience," both of which "will be vital in guiding us into the next horizon of growth and innovation to the benefit of our members."

Geha, who will focus on advancing GBBR's goals and stakeholder priorities as the association's new CEO, said in the release that he is "eager to forge new friendships and collaborative relationships within the Greater Baltimore real estate community."

"I am honored to join GBBR and engage with an association that is nationally renowned for its legacy and leadership," he said.