If you want to see how the country’s largest trade organization is truly “by members, for members,” look no further than its 95 committees, forums, councils and boards. Each year, more than 2,700 volunteers—agents, brokers, MLS representatives and association executives—are inspired to serve the industry through a volunteer position at the National Association of REALTORS®.
Planning for the coming year begins soon: On Sept. 29, incoming committee chairs and vice chairs will convene virtually for a “committee leadership camp.” They’ll receive training on leadership and NAR governance and chart their agendas.
While all groups (forums, councils, etc.) ensure member voices are heard, only committees can make recommendations to NAR’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors to set or revise organization policies. In addition, committee members serve as subject matter experts, weighing in on challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
“After 35 years in the business— and as many years engaged at the local, state and national level in leadership and committee work—I can name dozens of benefits to involvement,” says Deborah Baisden, an agent from Virginia Beach and immediate past chair and 2026 Member Services liaison. “Members drive the strategic initiatives of the association, which sets in motion how and what NAR delivers to its members in benefits.”
“As committee members, we assist in producing the tools to help agents and brokers be more knowledgeable and productive in our business,” she adds.
Committees create and propel change and are crucial to the overall success of the organization. Their members recommend actions on a diverse range of topics—from Code of Ethics changes to public policy positions and from communications strategy to RPAC investments.
“NAR members and committees are the foundation of our organization, so it’s imperative that our committee structure represent the varied interests and experiences of our members,” says Jarrod Grasso, NAR SVP of Industry Relations.
While committees vary in size and scope, each has a chair, vice chair, liaison and staff executive. Today, NAR released a downloadable resourcepdf summarizing each of these roles and the thoughtful selection process behind appointments.
Here’s a primer on what it covers.
What do committee chairs do?
Committee chairs are appointed by the incoming NAR president to guide the group’s activities and ensure they align with NAR’s strategic goals, policies and budget. They determine content for meeting agendas, facilitate discussions, track progress and report outcomes.
When a committee develops policy or program recommendations, the chair is responsible for communicating those to the liaison and, potentially, other relevant bodies.
What do committee vice chairs do?
Vice chairs, appointed by the incoming NAR president-elect, learn from and observe the chair, as they will automatically ascend to the chair position in the next governance year.
They also serve in a support role, presiding over meetings in the chair’s absence.
What do committee liaisons do?
Liaisons, appointed by the incoming NAR president, convey information between NAR’s Leadership Team and the committees they represent.
They also mentor chairs and vice chairs—while identifying future leaders—and help them establish goals. Liaisons monitor and evaluate the committee’s successes against its priorities and goals, facilitate collaboration between committees and minimize doubling of efforts.
They serve as voting members of the Board of Directors and Budget Review Team.
What do committee staff executives do?
Staff executives are subject matter experts and provide logistical support.
They maintain accurate committee records, submit agendas and report committee actions to NAR governance staff. They often support the chair, vice chair and liaisons with meeting prep, scripting and navigating complex issues.
How are chairs, vice chairs, liaisons, staff executives and all committee members appointed?
From start to finish, committee selection is a thoughtful, member-led process designed to appoint the most qualified and dedicated members.
Here’s what that looks like:
- Over the spring, members are given several months to apply to be on a committee. They can apply for up to five committees and seek up to three endorsements for each application. During that process, they complete an expertise profile to support their qualifications. Because term lengths range from one to three years, not all seats are open to new applicants in a given year.
- Typically, starting in the spring, leaders from state associations, institutes, societies, councils and multicultural partners have the opportunity to recommend who they want to appoint to “representative positions" on committees with specialty interests.
- During the summer, NAR’s leadership brings together a select group of members and association executives during a committee selection meeting to thoughtfully consider chair, vice chair and member applications.
- Next, state associations, institutes, societies, councils and multicultural partners review preliminary committee appointments for all members within their organization.
- Final appointment approvals are provided to the Governance Team and appointment letters are sent for all committee positions via email.
Because spots are limited, NAR is unable to accept everyone who submits an application. Members are encouraged to try again the following year and consider building their experience by serving in committee positions at the state and local level.
Those with ambition to move up in the ranks on the national level can apply for the NAR Leadership Academy. Most committees are also open to guests, so members who want to learn more are welcome to attend meetings at the association’s two annual meetings (committees that are closed due to confidentiality are noted in the meeting schedule online).
Committee Logistics
While committee planning for 2026 begins in late September, the 2026 committee term doesn’t officially start until after Dec. 1.
The 2025 committees will meet at NAR NXT in Houston this November. Most incoming committees will meet during the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in D.C. next June and NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience in New Orleans in November 2026. Many committees also schedule additional virtual meetings so that work progresses outside of the twice-a-year meeting schedule.
For those who want to get involved in the 2027 committees, applications open in March and updates will be posted on the committee selection timeline website.
