Capping off NAR NXT™ in New Orleans, the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors approved NAR’s 2027 budget and capital expenditures, installed the association’s 2027 elected and appointed leaders, and recognized members and industry leaders for distinguished service.
In her report to directors, NAR CEO Nykia Wright highlighted progress during the first year of NAR’s three-year strategic plan and expressed her gratitude for Kevin Brown’s leadership over that time. The past year included increased engagement with MLSs, efforts to expand housing supply, modernization of the Center for REALTOR® Development and the new Verified Instructor Program, and greater engagement with brokers. Wright also reported a 15% increase in consumers who intend to work with a REALTOR® as a result of the Consumer Advertising Campaign.
2027 Leadership Team
- President Christine Hansen (FL)
- President-elect Colin Mullane (OR)
- First Vice President Pete Kopf (OH)
- Treasurer Patti Fitzgerald (FL)
- Vice President of Advocacy, Chris Beadling (PA)
- Vice President of Association Affairs, Mary Dykstra (VA)
2027 Regional Vice Presidents
- Region 1: Dawn Ruffini (MA)
- Region 2: Dave Legaz (NY)
- Region 3: John Powell (VA)
- Region 4: Mike Inman (KY)
- Region 5: Gia Arvin (FL)
- Region 6: Sara Lipnitz (MI)
- Region 7: Tommy Choi (IL)
- Region 8: Jason Miller (MN)
- Region 9: Natalie Moyer (KS)
- Region 10: Leigh York (TX)
- Region 11: Hubert Hill (NM)
- Region 12: John Blom (WA)
- Region 13: Dave Walsh (CA)
2027 Liaisons
- Association Leadership, Margy Grant (FL)
- Commercial & Industry Specialties, Fernando Arencibia (FL)
- Global Real Estate, Steven Pagan (NJ)
- Housing Issues, Matt Silver (IL)
- Law & Policy, Todd Beckstrom (SC)
- Broker Relations, Rick Davidson (UT)
- MLS & Data Management, Michelle Bailey (ID)
- Member Engagement, Debra Beagle (TN)
- Member Services, Elizabeth Monarch (KY)
- Public & Federal Issues, Drew Coleman (OR)
- REALTOR® Party Director, Steve LaRue (KS)
- REALTOR® Party Community Engagement, PJ Johnsen (CA)
- REALTOR® Party Disbursement, Marvin Jolly (TX)
- REALTOR® Party Fundraising, Beth Dalton (VA)
- REALTOR® Party Member Involvement, Tiffany Meyer (OR)
NAR’s 2027 Budget
Directors approved three Finance Committee recommendations:
- Operating and Advocacy Budget: Directors approved $280.17 million in gross revenue and $246.95 million in gross expenses for 2027. The budget was developed using zero-based budgeting principles, requiring budget owners to evaluate expenditures from the ground up and identify the strategic purpose of each program. Treasurer Craig Sanford said the approach resulted in a budget that is more intentional and strategically aligned while maintaining financial discipline.
- Consumer Advertising Campaign: Directors approved a 2027 Consumer Advertising Campaign budget consisting of $12 million in gross revenue and $13.7 million in program expenses. The investment is intended to strengthen consumer understanding of the REALTOR® brand and the professionalism REALTORS® bring to real estate transactions.
- Capital expenditures: Directors approved $2.42 million in 2027 technology capital expenditures and $3.06 million for building needs.
Treasurer Craig Sanford told directors NAR remains in a solid financial position heading into 2027, with membership running ahead of the association’s budgeted level and expenses below budget through September.
Distinguished Service and Presidential Awards
Directors recognized Robert J. Bailey of Aptos, Calif., and Judy Moore of Lexington, Mass., as recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Service Award. The award honors REALTORS® whose service and involvement have made an extraordinary contribution to the association, the industry and their communities.
Robert J. Bailey reflected on a career that allowed him not only to support his family but also to serve his community and advocate for the industry. He urged directors to recognize the responsibility that comes with involvement and reminded them of the power each member has to make their voice heard.
Judy Moore, who has spent more than 40 years in real estate, credited the relationships, friendships and mentors she found through the REALTOR® organization with sustaining her throughout her career. She encouraged newer professionals to take advantage of the many paths the industry provides.
NAR 2026 President Kevin Brown also presented two Presidential Awards to individuals whose contributions have made a significant and lasting impact on NAR and the real estate industry.
Tia Hunnicutt, AHWD, MRP, PSA, RSPS, SFR, Proxima Realty, Oakland, Calif., was recognized for her leadership in the MLS space at the local, state and national levels, including her service as chair of NAR’s Multiple Listing Issues and Policies Committee. Hunnicutt used the moment to reflect on what the REALTOR® organization has meant to her and the opportunity to lead on an issue central to the industry.
Adam Watkins, M.B.A., CRS, GRI, ABR, CRB, All-Star Team REALTORS®, Hattiesburg, Miss., was recognized for helping guide NAR through its strategic planning process. Watkins noted that collaboration among members, volunteer leaders and staff is charting the association’s path forward.
Executive Committee Summary
Earlier at NAR NXT™, the Executive Committee approved MLS policy recommendations addressing copyright enforcement, appropriate use of listing content and MLS data, and requirements related to MLS participation. The committee also approved Legal Action Committee recommendations providing additional NAR support in cases involving property rights and short-term rentals.
This meeting concludes NAR NXT™ in New Orleans. The NAR Board of Directors will meet next during the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C., on May 27, 2027.