NAR leader on PLNs: Consumer should be ‘able to see everything’
Newly elected first vice president Pete Kopf stressed the importance of protecting consumer interests — and responsive leadership — in remarks to directors.
Key points:
- NAR's board of directors elected broker/owner Pete Kopf as first VP, Colin Mullane as president-elect and Patti Fitzgerald as treasurer.
- Kopf emphasized the need to preserve a transparent marketplace for consumers — and for Realtors, fostering “leadership that doesn't forget who they serve.”
- Fitzgerald talked about NAR’s finances in the wake of costly settlements, stressing the importance of replenishing reserves to protect future members.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A newly elected leader at the National Association of Realtors believes brokerages should not keep data from consumers in private listing networks.
Pete Kopf, an Ohio broker/owner, was elected 2027 first vice president of the trade group at NAR's board of directors meeting Thursday morning — the conclusion of the multiday Realtors Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C.
Kopf has previously served as an NAR director, vice president of advocacy, executive committee member, regional vice president and Realtor party director.
Colin Mullane, NAR's 2026 first vice president, is now NAR's president-elect and will automatically become president in 2028. Both Realtors ran in uncontested races.
Without transparency, 'we're failing the consumer'
Ahead of the BOD meeting, which was attended by over 1,000 directors, Kopf participated in the Eligible Candidates Forum, where he shared his views on the future of the MLS and what the proliferation of private listing networks means for the consumer.
"If we're truly champions for the opportunity for housing overall, then I think we have to have a transparent marketplace where the consumer is able to see everything," Kopf said.
"If we're not transparent, if we don't have good, clear data, then I think we're failing the consumer. That's why we put the National Association of Realtors together: to protect and promote property rights, and that includes the consumers. Their interest should always be at the top of mind for us."
During his opening remarks, Kopf emphasized that NAR members want an association that listens, anticipates change, provides technology that helps them compete, prioritizes advocacy that protects their clients, and fosters "leadership that doesn't forget who they serve."
He added that NAR advocates for both Realtors and "consumers who depend on us every day."
"That's why trust matters," Kopf said. "The influence we have with elected officials comes from the consumers' trust that Realtors will act in their best interest. Protecting that trust is one of the greatest responsibilities we share."
A call for new leaders, 'more voices'
Kopf also stressed that NAR should be developing more leaders by identifying talented members rather than "by rotating titles or a place in line."
"Our association is stronger when we have more voices engaged and we have more people doing meaningful work," he said.
NAR's Credentials and Campaign Rules Committee determines candidates' eligibility for the trade group's appointed and elected officers, including conducting social media audits.
During the meeting, the board overwhelmingly approved two recommendations from the committee to clarify that potential candidates must meet "required criteria" to be eligible by April 1 of the year prior to their election year and to clarify that certain eligible service qualifications must be at the NAR level.
New treasurer: NAR must 'replenish reserves' depleted by settlements
NAR directors did vote on one contested race, electing Patti Fitzgerald to serve as treasurer for 2027 and 2028. Fitzgerald received 506 votes, compared to 424 votes cast for Matt Ritchie.
Fitzgerald, a Realtor for more than 40 years and member of the Florida Real Estate Commission and NAR's Finance Committee, stressed her experience in protecting the association's long-term financial resilience.
"While fresh ideas are needed, I believe the best ideas come from leaders who understand the organization's complexity, stewardship responsibility, and the need to protect its future for every member we serve," Fitzgerald told directors.
She noted that "the lawsuit" — the Sitzer/Burnett case and settlement — tested NAR's financial strength.
"We met that test because discipline, planning, and smart investments were already in place," she said.
"That work mattered. Strong reserves create stability and confidence, and now we have an equally important responsibility: to thoroughly replenish those reserves, so future members have the same financial strength and protection when challenges arise," Fitzgerald said.