Real estate media company HousingWire announced today that Nykia Wright, CEO of the National Association of REALTORS®, has been named a 2025 Vanguard Award winner. The Vanguard program, now in its 11th year, recognizes 100 executives who have demonstrated “exceptional leadership and impact on the housing economy.”
“The 2025 Housing Wire Vanguards exemplify what it means to lead with vision and resilience,” says Sarah Wheeler, Editor-in-Chief of HousingWire. “These leaders aren’t just driving growth within their organizations. They’re shaping the future of housing itself. Their achievements reflect the innovation, adaptability and commitment required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving market.”
Since stepping in as permanent CEO a year ago, Wright has redefined NAR’s strategy, rebuilt its executive team, modernized its operations, and championed a culture of transparency and member-first service. Under her leadership, NAR has also deepened its industry relationships, delivered two straight balanced budgets—without raising dues—and begun the process of reinventing the member experience.
“I’m grateful to HousingWire, both for their insights on the real estate industry and for this recognition,” Wright says. “The award also honors the tremendous work that Kevin Sears, the leadership team, NAR staff, and our state and local associations have done over the past year and a half to bring us through one of the most challenging and consequential periods in our organization’s 116-year history.”
Wright was already known as an agent of change before joining NAR as interim CEO in October 2023. She led the Chicago Sun-Times through a profound transformation from a legacy news organization into a digital-first media company—and ultimately into a successful merger with Chicago Public Media.
She has steered NAR through a time of intense industry scrutiny and change, spearheading a comprehensive strategy to restore trust with members and the public.
“Our charge is twofold—to remain a powerful advocate for our members and the consumers they serve and to help our members get to their next transaction,” Wright says. “We have a long journey ahead of us, but the Vanguard Award acknowledges that NAR is making progress in the right direction.”
