CMLS adds advocacy leader to help guide ‘the future of MLS’ 

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.

Experienced advocacy leader joins CMLS

The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) has tapped Cameron Kinzer to serve as director of advocacy, a move aimed at expanding the organization's efforts to guide and champion the regulations and policies affecting MLSs across the country.

Kinzer will lead CMLS's government relations and public policy strategy as he works closely with CEO Jessica Edgerton, who joined the trade association in the top leadership role three months ago.

Kinzer will also collaborate with the CMLS board and its members to monitor legislative and regulatory developments, build relationships with policymakers and industry partners, and support the MLS community's advocacy efforts. His responsibilities will span issues including legislation, regulation, technology, artificial intelligence and data policy, according to a news release.

Kinzer joins CMLS after nearly nine years at Boise Regional Realtors. He most recently served as the Idaho association's chief advocacy & public affairs officer but has held other association leadership roles over the course of his career, most of which he has spent working with policymakers, community leaders and industry partners on housing and private property rights issues.

Kinzer has the "experience and capacity" to help CMLS realize its goal of showing up "wherever the future of MLS is being discussed," Edgerton said.

"Cameron understands both advocacy and organized real estate, and he knows how to build the relationships that turn expertise into influence," Edgerton added. "His work will help ensure policymakers understand how MLSs give consumers and professionals reliable market information and support open participation in the housing market."

Greg Phillips installed as president of Mainstreet Realtors

Greg Phillips, vice president and designated managing broker of Baird & Warner's Northwest Suburban office, has been appointed president of Mainstreet Realtors, taking on a leadership role with an association that represents approximately 18,000 real estate professionals.

Phillips has over 30 years of industry experience, including 17 years leading the Chicagoland indie's Northwest Suburban office after transitioning from residential sales into management in 2006. Throughout his time at the firm, which began in 1994, Phillips has held a range of association leadership positions, including treasurer and president-elect of Mainstreet.

In his new role, Phillips plans to help guide the association's work in advocacy, professional standards, education and member services across suburban Cook, DuPage and Lake counties, according to a news release. He will also focus on the association's finances and efforts to enhance member value and attract and retain newcomers.

Phillips was sworn in as president of Mainstreet during a ceremony on Sept. 10. He said it is "an incredible honor" to step into this leadership role, adding that he takes his new responsibilities "very seriously."

"Throughout my career, I've benefited from the guidance of mentors, colleagues and industry leaders who invested in my success. This role allows me to give back to an organization that plays a critical role in supporting Realtors and helping members navigate an industry that continues to evolve," Phillips said.

Century 21 appoints regional VP

Century 21 Real Estate has appointed Jamie Huggins to serve as vice president of field services for the brand's eastern U.S. region. In his new role, he will help franchisees identify growth opportunities, improve operations, manage business transitions and implement the international firm's initiatives, according to a company announcement.

Huggins brings more than 25 years of industry leadership experience in brokerage operations, franchise development, recruitment, M&As, succession planning, strategic planning and executive consulting, Century 21 said. He most recently founded and led X-Factor Coaching & Consulting and previously held senior leadership positions at Coldwell Banker Vanguard Realty.

The role aligns "so closely with the work I've been passionate about throughout my career," Huggins said, noting that the Century 21 brand is one he has "long admired."

"What excites me most about joining the Century 21 brand is the opportunity to work alongside its affiliates, build strong relationships, and help them identify opportunities to create stronger, more sustainable and more valuable businesses," he added.

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.