Jarrod Grasso will lead the trade group’s efforts to “deepen engagement with state and local entities, MLS executives, and other key industry partners.”
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The National Association of Realtors, which has 1.5 million members, has hired Jarrod Grasso as its “first-ever” senior vice president of industry relations to strengthen ties with local chapters, state chapters and multiple listing services. The industry group made the announcement on Wednesday.
Jarrod Grasso
Mr. Grasso most recently served as CEO of New Jersey Realtors and will now serve as the primary liaison between NAR and state and local association leaders. In a statement, NAR said he will focus on “raising awareness of and promoting the value of the NAR Initiative” so that members can use it to advance their businesses.
Grasso’s first day is March 3rd.
When asked why NAR chose to hire for the first time in this role now, a NAR spokesperson told Inman: “Nikia Wright, CEO of NAR, felt it was important to manage state-local relations and create a dedicated leader to take on that function” and provide regular feedback. identify challenges and address them quickly and effectively.
Nikia Wright
“Jarod has been a thought partner who has provided valuable insight to NAR over the past year, and Nikia and other NAR leaders felt he was a good fit for his new role.”
NAR has pledged to rebuild relationships across the real estate industry following years of antitrust litigation, allegations of fraud, complaints about spending, and backlash over some of its policies, including tripartite agreements.
The policy requires real estate agents and brokers to join associations at all three levels: local, state, and national if they want to become real estate agents. It also requires local entities to comply with and enforce NAR rules, which some local entities resent.
Grasso said NAR will “deepen collaboration with state and local associations, MLS executives, and other important industry partners to ensure the association remains at the forefront of innovation, collaboration, and advocacy within the industry.” The industry group said it would lead the effort.
Grasso has more than 20 years of experience as a real estate association leader, according to NAR. As CEO of New Jersey Realtors, he has successfully championed initiatives that advance legislative priorities, strengthen member services, and promote professionalism and inclusivity in the profession. ,” the association said.
Mr. Grasso also served as a NAR Director and 2015 Chair of the NAR Association Executive Committee, and received the designation of Realtor Association Certified Executive Officer, NAR’s William R. Magerl Award for Excellence, and the Armon R. I became a member of Dr. Bud. ” Smith Leadership Institute.
NAR said, “Mr. Grasso’s deep understanding of association and industry dynamics and proven track record of building partnerships and fostering collaborations make him uniquely qualified to lead NAR’s expanded focus on industry engagement.” ”.
“I am honored to join NAR in this pivotal new role,” Grasso said in a statement, adding that he looks forward to working with his industry colleagues.
“By fostering strong relationships and addressing key industry priorities, we can help our members remain essential to our clients and communities,” Grasso said.
Earlier this month, NAR hired industry veteran Shelley Criss to help the industry group rebuild its rocky relationship with major brokerages after a landmark national antitrust settlement last year. announced that it has hired Mr. Wright as a special advisor.
Email Andrea V. Brambilla.
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