People on the Move: Texas Realtors CEO to retire; Fathom appoints new VP 

Editor's note: As an industry with millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerage companies, new leaders rise to the top every day. Here we highlight executives and other notable leaders who've recently taken on, or stepped away from, roles that influence the residential real estate landscape. 

Texas Realtors CEO to retire, EVP will take over

Travis Kessler, who saw membership in Texas Realtors more than double in his time as president and CEO, has announced his plans to retire on March 31.

Mike Barnett, the organization's executive vice president for the past dozen years, will take over as president and CEO on April 1.

"I know the organization is in good hands," Kessler said. "Mike Barnett brings an impressive 18 years of experience and deep knowledge from within Texas Realtors to his new role as CEO."

Kessler praised Barnett's "expertise in political and legislative affairs, strategic planning, and financial management" as well as his "caring personality." Barnett, for his part, said he is "deeply honored and humbled" to step into the role.

"My deepest gratitude and respect go to Travis Kessler for his many years of dedicated service to the organization," said Barnett. "Texas Realtors has been a driving force in empowering professionals and protecting property rights. I am excited to build on that legacy."

Kessler was hailed as an "exemplary leader" by Jef Conn, the 2024 chairman of the association, which had 75,000 members when Kessler took the helm and is now at more than 150,000.

Fathom names new VP of operations

Former eXp leader Andrew Shock has been appointed vice president of operations for Fathom Realty, a North Carolina-based brokerage company with roughly 14,500 agents nationwide.

Shock has more than two decades of experience in the brokerage business, including leading his own firm as a broker-owner and serving as director of operations at eXp Realty. His background includes operational management, residential and commercial transactions, corporate sales and new home developments.

"Andrew's expertise, knowledge, and positive energy align perfectly with our vision and will drive us toward our goals," said Samantha Giuggio, president of Fathom Realty and COO of Fathom Holdings. "With his leadership, we are confident in our continued journey to becoming the top choice for agents and clients in the country."

Shock's appointment is also part of an organizational shift: He will take on some of the duties formerly managed by VP of Compliance DeJane Kerr, allowing Kerr to focus on brokerage compliance, Fathom noted in a news release.

The company made two other notable changes to its org chart in November, moving Jon Gwin from his role as chief operating officer of Fathom Holdings to the newly created role of chief revenue officer, and promoting Giuggio from COO of Fathom Realty to the dual role of COO of Fathom Holdings and president of Fathom Realty. All of the recent leadership changes are intended to accelerate the company's growth goals, Fathom has said.

RESO reveals 2025 board

The Real Estate Standards Organization unveiled its 2025 board of directors, including election winners as well as director-appointed members employed by entities ranging from Anywhere to Zillow.

Rebecca Jensen, president and CEO of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), was chosen by the board to continue as chair.

"It is a pivotal year for organized real estate, and our membership responded by voting for steady guidance to lead the way," Jensen said. "We are thankful to all who heeded the call to leadership, and we look forward to seeing strong candidates return for future elections."

John Breault, VP, MLS with State-Wide MLS in Rhode Island and Greg Moore, CTO for Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) in Oregon were elected to represent MLSs and Realtor associations. Breault was also selected as vice chair of the board.

Michael Hayes, executive director of industry development for Homes.com, will represent tech companies, developers, partners and consultants.

Caitlin McCrory, VP for industry relations at Anywhere and Joe Wilhelmy, VP for business and technology at RE/MAX will represent brokerages, agents and appraisers.

The board, meanwhile, appointed these at-large directors: Richard Renton, CEO, Triad MLS (who will also serve as RESO treasurer) ; Matt Hendricks, Zillow's senior director for industry affairs, Patrick Pichette, VP of REALTOR.ca, Strategic Business & Innovation, Canadian Real Estate Association; Dan Troup, CEO of Broker Public Portal; Ross Buck, CEO Omni MLS (board advisor).

More information, including continuing members of the board, is available at RESO.org.