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The National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced staffing changes on Friday that are reportedly aimed at reducing costs, streamlining operations and refocusing on member services.
The restructuring efforts includes the elimination of 41 positions and 20 unfilled roles across several departments — including digital strategy, public relations, member engagement, and finance. NAR said the move aims to reallocate resources to advocacy, research, data and education functions.
“The industry is changing, and it is our responsibility to lead and change with it,” NAR CEO Nykia Wright said in a statement. “As we continue managing our finances to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, we need to invest in the best people, adopt the right processes, and apply the most advanced, cost-effective technology while remaining prudent financial stewards of the enterprise.”
The staffing shake-up follows the appointment earlier this month of chief financial officer Matthew Cenedella and several other leadership changes. Jonathan Waclawski was promoted to general counsel and senior vice president of legal, while Shannon McGahn and Mark Birschbach were elevated to executive vice president roles.
Other recent additions include Jarrod Grasso as senior vice president of industry relations, Sherry Chris as special adviser for brokerages, and Sharon White as chief human resources officer.
Wright said the leadership team will focus on redefining member services, strengthening relationships with brokerages and local associations, and ensuring NAR’s governance structure supports “agile, forward-looking discussions and decision making.”
Former NAR CEO Bob Goldberg stepped down from his position in November 2023, shortly after a Missouri jury found HomeServices of America, Keller Williams and NAR liable for colluding to artificially inflate real estate agent commissions.
Final approval on NAR’s settlement agreement from NAR, as well as the settlements reached by HomeServices of America and the numerous MLSs and brokerages that chose to opt into NAR’s settlement, was given in November 2024.
In August 2023, The New York Times reported on multiple allegations of sexual harassment and a “culture of fear” at NAR. Many of these claims involved then-NAR president Kenny Parcell, who resigned shortly thereafter.
