IRES MLS appoints new COO; Illinois Realtors invests in advocacy
IRES VP Julie Dahl moves up to the C-suite. Plus, longtime NWMLS COO to step down; Illinois Realtors hires 3 government affairs pros; MetroList adds partner.
Editor's note: From regional and statewide players to locals focused on a single market, multiple listings services and Realtor associations are the backbone of residential real estate. Here we highlight some of the latest news about the organizations that are shaping the future of the industry.
Colorado MLS promotes longtime exec to COO
IRES MLS, an organization with more than 6,000 subscribers across Northern Colorado, has promoted Julie Dahl to chief operating officer, a move the organization said will support operational efficiency and strengthen industry relationships.
Dahl most recently served as VP of industry relations at IRES and previously held other leadership roles, including director of operations and director of training and communication. During her 20+ years with the MLS, she has worked closely with legal counsel, insurance providers, PR partners and real estate groups to support subscribers, data vendors and staff, according to a news release.
As COO, Dahl will focus on bolstering internal systems and processes as she keeps a pulse on policy and regulatory changes across the industry.
Dahl's institutional knowledge and track record "make her uniquely qualified to serve as IRES' chief operating officer," said CEO Jeff Bosch. "She understands our subscribers, our systems and the broader real estate environment at a level that is unmatched."
4-decade leader to depart NWMLS
As one MLS exec steps into the COO role, another is stepping down.
Monica Beck is leaving her post as chief operations officer at Northwest MLS after 45 years with the MLS and its predecessor — work that has "truly been a privilege," Beck said in a news release.
Beck began her real estate career in 1980 with the North End Brokers Association, the organization that eventually became one of the country's largest MLSs with more than 35,000 subscribers across most of Washington and parts of Oregon. During her tenure, she played a key role in expanding NWMLS's service area, product offerings and marketplace, exhibiting a level of "dedication to serving the brokerage and MLS community" that "cannot be overstated," said NWMLS CEO Justin Haag.
Taking Beck's place will be Chelsea Goyer, another industry veteran with nearly two decades of experience in MLS relationships, brokerage operations and proptech, including senior roles at Redfin, Opendoor and Remine. Beck will work with Goyer over the coming months to support a smooth transition ahead of the leadership change in 2026.
Illinois Realtors expands governmental affairs leadership team
Illinois Realtors is making a significant investment in advocacy, bringing on three governmental affairs professionals with extensive experience at the state and local levels, the association said in a press release.
The Springfield-based trade association, with more than 50,000 members across Illinois, announced the following new hires:
Melia Carter, VP of governmental affairs. Carter will oversee the association's 12-member state and local governmental affairs team.
Anne Emerson and Audrey Harding, local governmental affairs directors. Emerson's advocacy efforts will be directed at the Chicago City Council and mayor's office, while Harding will work with the Cook County Board on pro-housing initiatives across Chicagoland.
The additions, said Illinois Realtors CEO Jeff Baker, will enable the association "to continue being the leading and most effective voice on housing policy throughout the state."
"This is a strategic investment to equip Illinois Realtors with unmatched resources and to continue securing policies that increase housing inventory, incentivize homebuying and thwart burdensome property tax hikes and regulations," Baker added.
MetroList gains new Central Valley partner
Northern California's largest MLS has added the Madera County Association of Realtors (MAR) to its platform, expanding regional data-sharing and market connectivity, the organization said in a news release.
The partnership with Madera County follows the addition of Calaveras County Association of Realtors in December and marks the 15th county now served by MetroList MLS. MAR members will gain access to its MLS infrastructure, including listing technology, data tools and AI features designed to enhance efficiency and client service.
"By joining MetroList, we are providing our members with a powerful, technology-driven MLS platform that supports education, professionalism, and the evolving needs of today's real estate professionals," Aurora Hernandez, MAR's 2026 president, said in the announcement.
Editor's note: AI was used in the initial drafting of this content, which was then thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and revised by a Real Estate News editor.