Sherry Chris moves to NAR, will serve as executive advisor
Just two weeks after leaving Anywhere, the industry veteran has taken on a new role supporting National Association of Realtors CEO Nykia Wright.
The National Association of Realtors announced today that longtime industry leader Sherry Chris will serve as an independent consultant and special advisor to CEO Nykia Wright — a role Wright hinted at during her presentation to NAR's board of directors in November.
In her new position, Chris — who just wrapped up a 20-year stint with Anywhere Real Estate — will be focused on assisting the newly minted CEO as Wright works on "strengthening relationships, building trust and enhancing collaboration with brokerage leaders."
Chris retired from her role as president and CEO of the Anywhere Expansion Brands portfolio in 2023, but she remained with the company as an executive advisor until late last month. While at Anywhere, Chris oversaw the 2008 launch of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate brand, which grew across more than 40 U.S. states and six countries under her leadership. ERA, meanwhile, expanded to 43 U.S. states and 34 countries during Chris' tenure.
In 2023, Chris ranked 23rd in the Swanepoel Power 200 of the most powerful leaders in residential real estate.
Bringing decades of perspective to an organization in flux
Chris began her real estate career in 1987 with Canada's Royal LePage, joining the Anywhere family of brands in the early 2000s. NAR leaders highlighted Chris' extensive executive experience as a key asset for the organization during a pivotal moment in the industry — and a period of flux at NAR. Wright was named CEO in August after serving on an interim basis for nine months, while President Kevin Sears moved into his role unexpectedly in early 2024.
"Sherry's ability to build relationships and foster collaboration will be instrumental in strengthening connections and ensuring NAR remains a trusted partner for the entire real estate community," Sears said, while Wright added that Chris' "well-informed perspective on the real estate brokerage landscape" will be useful as NAR seeks to further collaborate with industry partners and "drive stronger alignment across the sector."
In November, Wright acknowledged that NAR's relationships with brokerages took a hit following the commissions litigation and settlement, and to mend those fences, NAR would need to pass through a "gateway of trust."
In addition to her brokerage leadership, Chris has been involved in advocacy work as a former chair of NAR's Real Estate Services Advisory Group and The Realty Alliance. She is also a founding corporate member of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and member of AREAA, and recently stepped down as co-chair of What Moves Her, an organization focused on supporting women in leadership roles in real estate.
"I am honored to work alongside Nykia and the leadership team at NAR during such an important time for our industry," Chris said of her new role. "My goal is to drive trust, value, and collaboration for key stakeholders in real estate."