From the merger of 12 offices in Chicago to a new CFO at the nation’s largest VA financial company, the real estate industry leadership environment continues to evolve. Brokers, associations and MLSs have appointed new executives, consolidated operations and added teams across the country in the past few weeks.
Here are the details:
Real Estate Agent Women’s Council
Tripti Casal
The Council of Women Realtors has appointed Tripti Kasal as chief executive officer of the 9,000-member organization, the group said.
The organization said Mr. Casal spent 10 years as a senior executive at Baird & Warner, most recently serving as senior vice president and regional manager for the Chicago metropolitan area, and later as senior vice president of member engagement for the world’s leading real estate firm.
Early in her career, she helped grow an internet-based residential brokerage’s Chicago operations from five to more than 40 agents in less than a year, and later owned a boutique brokerage in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, according to the Women’s Council.
According to the organization, 62% of real estate agents nationwide are women, but women remain underrepresented in executive positions. As CEO, Casal will focus on expanding membership and leadership education, expanding participation in the group’s Performance Management Network designation and building the business value of its referral network, the Women’s Council said.
“The real estate industry needs well-prepared leaders who can build consensus, make difficult decisions, advocate effectively, and lead their organizations to significant change,” Cheryl Keller, national president of the Women’s Council, said in a statement.
North Texas Real Estate Information System
Joey Bandemer
MLS announced that North Texas Real Estate Information Systems (NTREIS) has appointed Joey Bandemer as vice president of data governance and customer experience. Bandemer previously served as Director of Compliance and Policy at Bright MLS and Director of Community Association Services at Florida Realtors, and began his MLS career at REcolorado, according to NTREIS.
MLS said the hires follow a series of changes at NTREIS since Chris Carrillo took over as CEO in June 2025, including a new data sharing agreement with HAR and the launch of NTREIS Rewards, a broker incentive program that will distribute seven-figure rewards to brokers who contribute listing data in 2025.
NTREIS’ board and shareholders also voted to bring compliance in-house for the first time, replacing a model that spreads responsibility among 13 member associations, according to NTREIS. In his new role, Vandemer will oversee the transition to policy development, data licensing and direct compliance management across NTREIS’ 44-county service area, with soft deployment expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, MLS said.
“The MLS industry is being challenged to prove its worth in unprecedented ways,” NTREIS CEO Chris Carrillo said in a statement.
Sotheby’s International Realty
Nancy Kozevinas
The Kozevinas Group, a seven-member team led by Nancy Kozevinas, has joined Sotheby’s International Realty’s Montecito brokerage, according to Sotheby’s International Realty, a Compass International Holdings company. The company says the team will achieve sales of $265.5 million in 2025, with career sales exceeding $2.6 billion.
Separately, Sotheby’s International Realty has acquired Majestic Realty Collective, the organization that operates eight Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates across Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Idaho and California, the company announced. Financial terms were not disclosed. Majestic Realty Collective’s current management team, including Scott Webber and Thomas Wright, will continue to run the organization, according to the release.
Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California
Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California has launched a new development division led by executive directors Tomer Fridman, Don Heller, Amir Ensani and Aaron Carman, the company announced. According to the company, the four securities companies have combined sales of more than $33 billion. The division has secured exclusive sales rights in California for Dubai Tower, Burj Azizi, which is scheduled to become the second tallest building in the world.
Distinctive premier property
Michael Furino
Michael Furino and his five-member team have joined Signature Premier Properties’ Roslyn office, the brokerage said. Furino’s team recorded more than $52 million in sales and pending sales in 2025, the company said. Furino is recognized as a top 100 real estate agent on Long Island and in the top 1 percent of real estate agents nationally, according to Signature Premier Properties, and his team will focus on North Shore communities including Roslyn, Port Washington, Manhasset and Great Neck.
The Roslyn office, Signature Premier Properties’ 23rd location, recently opened as part of the brokerage’s continued expansion throughout Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens, the company said.
“His reputation for excellence, professionalism and results speaks for itself,” Miriam Hagendoorn, Roslyn’s office manager, said in a statement.
century 21 circle
Sarah Valko
Century 21 Circle has appointed Sara Valko as director of marketing and brand strategy, the brokerage said. Valko previously led enterprise brand marketing and media strategy at CDW and will oversee integrated marketing, brand development and agent engagement across the company’s locations in Illinois, Indiana, Florida and Michigan, the brokerage said.
“Sarah’s appointment reflects the leadership qualities that Century 21 Circle is building as we enter our next chapter of growth,” CEO Melissa Archer Wirtz said in a statement.
home smart
HomeSmart has entered into a strategic partnership with Rockstar Connect, a networking event platform led by founder Stephen David Elliott, the brokerage said. The initiative began in North Carolina, and HomeSmart recently appointed Aaron Peeler as broker representative and aims to expand brokerage networking events nationally, the company said. Elliott also plans to build a team within HomeSmart that will operate on the brand’s 100% commission model.
“Real estate is still a relationship business,” Elliott said in a social media post. “Technology is important. Systems are important. But people thrive through trust, connection, and meaningful face-to-face relationships.”
REMAX Suburban and REMAX All Pro
REMAX Suburban and REMAX All Pro have combined their operations under the ownership of Tom Hatzis to form a 12-office network with more than 240 agents in the Chicago suburbs, the companies said. Mr. Hatzis, who will serve as president of the combined organization, previously worked at a commercial bank and has experience in real estate finance.
“Both companies have very strong agency footprints, similar cultures of excellence, and a shared commitment to serving our communities,” Hatzis said in a statement.
Veterans United Home Loan
nicole galloway
Veterans United Home Loans has appointed Nicole Galloway as chief financial officer, the company announced. Galloway, a certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner, will report to Chief Operating Officer Kelly Frink and will oversee the company’s financial operations and long-term financial planning, Veterans United said.
Mr. Galloway served as Missouri State Controller from 2015 to 2023, and most recently served as CFO of Permanent Equity, a private equity firm based in Columbia, Missouri, the company said. She also served as Boone County’s treasurer from 2011 to 2015, managing a $100 million investment portfolio, and previously held audit and actuarial positions at Brown Smith Wallace, Allstate Insurance and Shelter Insurance, according to Veterans United.
“Nicole brings deep financial expertise and a strong track record of accountability,” Veterans United CEO Nate Long said in a statement.
Serhant.
Jason Wright
Luxury real estate advisor Jason Wright has joined SERHANT. SERHANT said he and his team expanded the company’s presence throughout Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and southern Orange County, California.
Mr. Wright previously worked at Coldwell Banker’s Tim Smith Real Estate Group, where he was named Top Producer Agent in 2025, the firm said. According to SERHANT, he has brought the company $18 million in pending deals and more than $100 million in active and upcoming inventory.
Baird & Warner
Janet Cutler
Baird & Warner has appointed Janet Cutler as chief marketing officer, the brokerage said. Cutler will lead the company’s marketing, brand and communications strategy and previously served as global vice president of brand and capabilities at Beam Suntory, the company said.
The appointment follows two other leadership moves at Baird & Warner in May, when the firm named Lucy Baird chief administrative officer and vice chairwoman of the board at Sixth Generation Family and promoted Laura Ellis to chief revenue officer, the brokerage said.
“Janet is a seasoned marketing leader with expertise in brand strategy, communications and operations who will be a great asset as we continue to grow and innovate,” Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner, said in a statement.
co-starring group
Robin Rothman
Coster Group has promoted Robin Rothman to chief financial officer, effective July 31, replacing Christian Rohn, who is stepping down to pursue opportunities outside the industry, the company said. Rothman is currently the company’s managing director for Europe and will report to founder and CEO Andy Florance.
Over the past two years, Rothman has reduced Costar Group’s European cost structure by 25 percent, while achieving double-digit revenue growth and launching Costar in France, the company said. He joined STR in 2016 and became part of CoStar Group through the acquisition of STR in 2019, and previously spent 13 years advising real estate and hospitality companies at Deloitte.
“Robin is a rare executive with deep financial expertise, proven operational leadership, and a proven ability to significantly reduce costs while accelerating growth,” Florence said in a statement.
Email Jesse Healy
