I National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced Wednesday that it has appointed Jarrod Grasso as its senior vice president of industry relations, a new position created to work with state and local Realtor associations, in addition to individual Realtors. NAR’s reputation has been under attack for the past few years and the trade group has taken action to change that.
“Investing in resources dedicated to facilitating state and local partnerships is critical to ensuring we hear real-time feedback about the challenges leaders face for immediate resolution,” NAR CEO Nykia Wright said in a statement. “Jarrod’s impressive reputation across the industry and our national, state and local organizations make him the perfect fit for this position.”
Grasso has a long history of leadership roles within Realtor organizations across the country, most recently serving as CEO of New Jersey Realtors, where he manages legal, member services and programs related to technology and inclusion.
His work with the national organization includes the position of Director of NAR, and he was the Chair of the Association’s Management Committee in 2015. He was also honored to be admitted to the NAR Association Executives Committee Dr. Almon R. “Bud” Smith Leadership Society and the William R. Magel Award of Excellence.
“I am honored to join NAR in this very important new role and look forward to working with our association partners, our members and other industry partners to demonstrate how together we can create meaningful solutions for Realtors,” Grasso said in a statement. “By fostering strong relationships and addressing industry priorities, we can help members stay more relevant to their customers and communities.”
The need for better relationships is not surprising. The trade group’s image has improved significantly after a $418 million settlement it signed to settle buyer agent commission offers related to allegations of dishonesty in multiple Realtor-aligned listing services. NAR has also been implicated in a number of sexual misconduct and abuse allegations.
Wright, who was named permanent CEO of NAR in August after taking over the role on an interim basis when former CEO Bob Goldberg retired early, has long signaled his intention to improve relations with the industry.
Acting as interim CEO, he explained how NAR is trying to bring members back into the program Unfiltered Indoors a podcast. At the NAR NXT conference in November, he told attendees that the trade group will focus on redefining the member experience, having conducted multiple surveys and focus groups.
The need to recruit members is greatest right now because of the challenges of NAR’s three-way membership agreement between local, state and national Realtor associations, which require Realtors to be members of all three.
Grasso stands to play an important role in these efforts.
“Having known Jarrod for nearly two decades, I have seen firsthand his collaborative approach, and I have full confidence in his extensive experience,” NAR President Kevin Sears said in a statement. “He is a perfect fit for this role to demonstrate the bonds that unite our Realtor family and ensure that we are working together effectively at all levels.”
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