It’s official: Nykia Wright named NAR CEO
The transformative newspaper exec moves into the permanent CEO role at the National Association of Realtors — the U.S.’s largest trade association — this week.
The National Association of Realtors announced this morning that interim CEO Nykia Wright has been named permanent CEO of the organization. Wright was first tapped for the job last November when then-CEO Bob Goldberg moved up his exit from the organization.
Wright previously held executive positions with the Chicago Sun-Times, serving as COO for a year before being promoted to CEO in November 2018. During her five-year run at the outlet, Wright led the local paper through an extensive overhaul which resulted in the sale of the Chicago Reader alt-weekly and the Sun-Times' merger with Chicago Public Media.
Today, Wright formally takes the reins of the Chicago-based organization as the industry navigates a future with several new practice changes and as NAR seeks to stabilize itself after a series of leadership changes.
What NAR said: "I am thrilled Nykia is staying on board to lead us through this time of transformation," NAR President Kevin Sears said in the announcement. "She has been instrumental in leading us up to this point, and her unwavering commitment to our members make her the ideal steward for guiding our association through the evolving real estate landscape."
What Wright said: "I am honored to have earned the confidence and trust from the Leadership Team to guide this organization at such a critical point. I am committed to ensuring our association remains a powerful and effective voice for the industry and to fulfilling our goal to bring the privilege of homeownership to more Americans," Wright said.
Wright's accomplishments: NAR credits Wright with leadership during the settlement negotiations that took place earlier this year, resulting in the landmark $418 million settlement announcement in March. The group also credits her with helping oversee and implement findings from its Culture Transformation Commission, a group of over 70 members who sought to identify issues within — and offer solutions to address — NAR's toxic workplace culture.
Bringing trust back: Wright appeared on the Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered podcast last week, where she discussed numerous topics, including her vision for NAR and what could be next for her there. She told hosts that she viewed her goal for NAR to become "the preeminent trade organization across the world."