Chris Heller a ‘force multiplier’ for Place’s expansion 

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.

Former KW exec joins Place

Place, a team-centric brokerage platform, has named industry veteran Chris Heller to serve as its first chief revenue officer. In the role, Heller will oversee revenue strategy across Place's portfolio of technology and services — with a focus on go-to-market execution, pricing, customer acquisition and more — as the company expands its integrated homeownership platform.

Heller brings more than 30 years of brokerage, mortgage and proptech leadership experience to Place. He has led the Heller the Home Seller team for more than three decades, and most recently served as president of OJO Labs and its subsidiary Movoto, which was acquired by Lower Mortgage in 2025. He will remain an advisor at Lower.

Previously, Heller oversaw global expansion efforts at Keller Williams as CEO of Keller Williams Realty International and was CEO of LoanDepot's mellohome.

That breadth of experience "uniquely bridges frontline production, enterprise leadership, and consumer technology — experience directly aligned with PLACE's next phase of growth," Place Co-Founder Ben Kinney said in a news release.

"Chris understands how to connect platform strategy, revenue architecture, and consumer experience," Kinney added. "As we continue expanding PLACE into a comprehensive homeownership ecosystem, his leadership is a force multiplier."

Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors appoints 2026 president

Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors has installed Jonathan Dolphus as its new president. Dolphus, a team lead at eXp Realty, brings over 16 years of experience in real estate.

As 2026 president of the country's third-largest local Realtor association, Dolphus will focus on strengthening its member experience through efficient governance, communication, education and technology, according to a news release. He will also prioritize efforts to further educate consumers on the value that comes with working with a Realtor.

Dolphus acknowledged the challenges that he and other real estate professionals have faced over the past year, but looking ahead, he said he is "committed to strengthening that foundation, equipping our members to guide buyers and sellers through shifting markets, rising costs and new complexities with confidence and clarity." 

Dolphus is embracing his new leadership role "at a pivotal moment for our industry," added Dionna Hall, the association's CEO. Hall praised Dolphus' "leadership, strategic mindset and commitment to innovation," which she said will "position our association to better serve members while continuing to elevate the Realtor brand across South Florida."

The Agency expands franchise leadership team

The Agency has welcomed four industry leaders as it seeks to bolster its franchise operations, the company announced this week.

The four additions are:

• Jeff Jabbora: After overseeing franchise sales at ERA Real Estate, Sotheby's International Realty, Engel & Völkers and REMAX, Jabbora will now serve as VP of franchise sales at The Agency.

• Laurie Popp: Three-decade industry veteran Popp, who The Agency said is known "for her collaborative style and data-informed mindset," will be the company's VP of franchise operations.

• Scott Mitchelson: With two decades of experience in franchise development, Mitchelson will serve as SVP of international franchise sales.

• James Corcoran: Corcoran, who brings over 20 years of experience with past roles leading expansion efforts at Engel & Völkers and managing teams at Anywhere Real Estate, will be The Agency's VP of strategic acquisitions.

The Agency has also promoted Ricardo Beer, who will now be the SVP of franchise sales for North and South America. Beer has been with The Agency since 2012 and most recently served as its director of franchise communications and director of new office operations.

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.