Relevant to members. Effective in the public arena. National Association REALTORS® communications took a step forward on both fronts today with the announcement of two executive appointments.
Beginning May 31, Bennett Richardson joins NAR as senior vice president of marketing and communications, and Raffi Williams joins as vice president of communications. In an email to key stakeholders Thursday morning, NAR said the hiring of Richardson and Williams marked “an important new chapter in NAR’s communications strategy—one grounded in transparency, innovation and a renewed focus on advocacy for REALTORS® and the consumers they serve.”
“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,” says NAR CEO Nykia Wright.
Bridging Technology, Policy and Journalism
Richardson is a thought leader who has spoken at venues such as the World Economic Forum, SXSW, and Cannes Lions. He brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of technology, policy and journalism—including work on award-winning public affairs campaigns for Fortune 100 companies.
He most recently served as general manager and global head of public affairs at the global news site Semafor, where he led the Washington bureau and spearheaded global strategic initiatives. Previously, he was director of policy marketing at Google and, before that, served as president of protocol and executive director of Politico Europe.
“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 says. “I look forward to working with this talented team to tell that story with impact and authenticity.”
Firm Footing in Real Estate Housing and Finance
Williams comes to NAR from the Managed Funds Association, where he was vice president of media relations and significantly expanded the organization’s media presence. Previously, Williams held senior communications roles at Edelman Smithfield, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he managed large press teams and developed high-impact media strategies.
A former journalist and political spokesperson, Williams was named to Forbes’ “30 Under 30” for Law and Policy in 2015. He has also advised C-suite executives and elected officials on crisis communications, regulatory issues and public affairs strategy.
“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,” Williams says. “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.”
An Unparalleled Team
“We are investing in world-class talent,” Wright says, “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 property ownership.”
Read the full news release announcing the appointment of Richardson and Williams.
