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The National Association of Realtors (NAR) on Thursday announced the hirings of Bennett Richardson and Raffi Williams to lead strategic communications efforts at the real estate trade group, effective May 31.
Richardson will serve as NAR’s senior vice president of marketing and communications. He has nearly 20 years of experience “at the intersection of technology, policy and journalism,” NAR said in its announcement.
Williams, who has a “robust background” in public affairs, media strategy and financial communications, is NAR’s new vice president of communications.
“Bennett and Raffi bring a powerful mix of experience, vision, and strategic insight that will sharpen NAR’s voice and strengthen our communications at a pivotal time for the real estate industry,” NAR CEO Nykia Wright said in a statement.
“We are investing in world-class talent to ensure our members, policymakers, and the public clearly understand who we are, what we stand for, and the critical role Realtors play in helping people across America achieve the dream of homeownership.”
Richardson most recently worked as general manager and global head of public affairs at Semafor, where he led global strategic initiatives and headed the online outlet’s Washington, D.C., bureau. He also previously led policy marketing efforts at Google and had multiple leadership roles for POLITICO Media Group.
“As someone who has spent much of my career telling stories about how policy, business, and technology shape our world, I’m thrilled to join an organization with such a clear and important mission to empower our members to help more Americans access homeownership and build generational wealth through real estate,” Richardson said.
Williams arrives at NAR after a stint as vice president at the Managed Funds Association, where he led media relations tasks and expanded the organization’s media presence.
Williams also has housing-specific experience. He worked in senior communications roles at at the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), where he managed large press teams and developed high-level media strategies.
“This role represents a meaningful next step in my career within the housing and real estate industry,” Williams said. “From my time at HUD to FHFA and now at NAR, I’ve seen firsthand how communications can shape public understanding and affect policy outcomes. I’m excited to leverage my experience to help drive NAR’s mission forward at a time when trust, transparency, and advocacy are more important than ever.”
NAR has made some key executive changes after Wright took over the permanent role of CEO in August 2024.
In March, the trade group hired Jonathan Waclawski as its new general counsel. Waclawski replaced Katie Johnson, who left NAR in October 2024 after a 17-year tenure. Johnson oversaw NAR’s legal efforts in the commission lawsuits and was key part of its controversial $418 million settlement.
In January, the trade group hired Sherry Chris as an independent consultant and special adviser to Wright. Chris previously spent 18 years in leadership roles at Anywhere Real Estate and her real estate career also includes stops at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, ERA Real Estate and Coldwell Banker Realty.
NAR has had several high-profile controversies in recent years that have caused criticism. These include an investigation by The New York Times that detailed the lavish perks of NAR executives, including former CEO Bob Goldberg.
The trade group has also been accused of discrimination, sexual harassment, intimidation and blackmail by a host of former employees, which led to the resignation of President Kenny Parcell in August 2023.
