The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has appointed an interim CEO. The appointee, Nykia Wright, replaces current CEO Bob Goldberg, who announced his retirement earlier this year. NAR’s newest C-suite executive brings with her leadership and strategy advisory experiences.
“After announcing my decision to retire earlier this year, and as I reflected on my 30 years at NAR, I determined last month that now is the right time for this extraordinary organization to look to the future,” Goldberg said.
Wright is the co-founder of SonicMESSENGER, a software-as-a-service startup with a mission to democratize audience engagement and measurement by leveraging smart audio. She also sits on the board of the American Cancer Society and the Better Government Association. Prior to joining NAR, Wright was the CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, leading the publication through a digital transformation and a merger with WBEZ. Her resume also boasts time as a strategy and business transformation consultant, where she advised companies and organizations on a variety of operational, financial, and performance improvement matters.
“We are delighted to welcome Nykia as interim CEO,” NAR President Tracy Kasper, a Realtor from Nampa, Idaho, and broker-owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Silverhawk Realty, said in a release. “Her deep experience driving organizational transformation positions her well to advance our strategy, vision and culture initiatives. I look forward to working with her, in partnership with our leadership team and staff, to continue strengthening our organization.
“We are immensely grateful for Bob’s leadership and decades-long service to NAR,” Kasper added. “It has been a privilege to work with him in expanding and strengthening our organization, and we congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement. His contributions to our association and our industry have been tremendous.”
In addition to his well wishes for the organization, Goldberg also referred to Wright’s expertise and forward-looking perspective as exactly what NAR needs to continue its mission in today’s environment. He also stated he was grateful to serve as NAR’s CEO, and “confident that the association will continue delivering incredible value to its members for generations to come.”
“NAR advocates for and empowers people who help families across America realize the dream of homeownership,” Wright said. “I am honored to join the organization at this important moment, when the opportunity to make a difference in the evolving real estate landscape has never been greater. I look forward to getting to work and partnering closely with NAR’s talented staff in the months ahead.”