In December, RISMedia honored more than 230 real estate professionals as RISMedia's 2019 Real Estate Newsmakers. Each of these individuals—separated into eight categories—was either nominated by you, the RISMedia reader, or chosen by the publication’s editors.
These folks made newsworthy contributions within their own communities and/or the housing industry as a whole. Here, we highlight several honorees who were chosen as Newsmakers in the Influencers category:
Alon Chaver, Chief Information Officer at HomeServices of America
At HomeServices of America, Alon Chaver is charged with ensuring that technology and innovation continue to play an increasingly important role for the firm. A long-time steward of technology innovation, he previously served on Trulia’s executive team as VP of Industry Services.
"We’re continuing to develop our platform so that it integrates best-in-class technology into a coherent service experience." says Chaver.
Katie Johnson, General Counsel and Chief Member Experience Officer at National Association of REALTORS®
Katie Johnson joined the National Association of REALTORS® in 2007 and has emerged as an industry change agent. She was appointed general counsel in 2014, charged with ensuring that NAR’s programs, policies, and activities were in compliance with the law. She also defends the association against legal challenges.
"From delivering trusted transaction guidance to supporting favorable laws and being community leaders, REALTORS® are the best advocates for all property owners," says Johnson. "I'm proud to be part of the NAR team that helps them succeed."
Craig McClelland, Vice President & COO at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers
Craig McClelland is the vice president and COO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. Currently, he and the company's CEO oversee all aspects of the brokerage's day-to-day operations, leading the strategic direction of the company.
"We can choose to disrupt our current processes and systems, reaching for a better experience and model, or we will be disrupted," says McClelland. "The future is bright."
Ginny Shipe, CEO at Real Estate Business Institute
Ginny Shipe has served as CEO of the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI), an affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®, since 1999. Under her leadership, REBI’s membership has grown by almost 27 percent in the past year, to 21,444 members and counting.
"I am proud and humbled to lead REBI’s accelerated growth after surmounting the market conditions in 2008," says Shipe.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist and SVP of Research at NAR
Dr. Lawrence Yun serves as chief economist and SVP of Research at the National Association of REALTORS®. He monitors developments in the real estate market and studies how they have impacted or might impact consumers, real estate professionals and the broader economy. Yun currently oversees a wide range of research activity for the Association.
"Real estate drives so much of what it is to be America and Americans, and I am most grateful to be participating in this fantastic industry," says Yun.