After a nationwide search, the influential California Association of Realtors has named John Sebree as its next CEO to lead more than 200,000 Realtors, the trade group announced Monday.

Current CEO Joel Singer will retire on Jan. 5, 2022 after 43 years at C.A.R., including 32 years as CEO. Sebree, currently CEO of the Missouri Realtors, will start at the Los Angeles-based association on Feb. 1, “but will begin connecting and engaging prior to that,” a C.A.R. spokesperson told Inman via email.

The association is one of the largest state trade organizations nationwide and has a lot of clout in California state politics.

“John’s deep industry expertise and insight into the many issues facing the real estate industry and our members will help him enhance the association’s value proposition so that real estate professionals can remain at the center of the real estate transaction and succeed in today’s rapidly changing real estate market,” said 2022 C.A.R. President Otto Catrina in a statement.

“With extensive knowledge of organized real estate and the legislative process, he is well-positioned to positively impact members’ business success and ensure Realtors’ marketplace and public policy impact.”

Sebree is an industry veteran with decades of experience. He began his career as a staffer for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs. After two years there, the National Association of Realtors hired him to work in its Government Affairs division in Washington, D.C., where he was a senior legislative representative working with the congressional delegations of eight states.

Joel Singer

After 13 years at NAR, he spent 11 years as senior vice president of public policy for Florida Realtors. He’s been CEO of Missouri Realtors since September 2014.

“John brings experience, inspiration and a forward-thinking perspective that will position C.A.R. membership for success in an always evolving environment,” Singer said in a statement. “I have great confidence in John’s and our leadership team’s abilities to guide the organization forward and be staunch advocates for C.A.R.’s policy positions.

“It’s been a great pleasure and honor to work with outstanding colleagues and leadership in serving the association and the Realtor community.”

In a statement, Sebree said he was “excited and honored” to be named the trade group’s new leader.

“My goal is to ensure the Realtor organization is the pre-eminent source of essential business services and the strongest force advocating for our members’ interests,” he said.

Inman has asked C.A.R. what Sebree’s first priorities will be as CEO, how Sebree will enhance the association’s value proposition, how his legislative experience will support C.A.R.’s policy positions and if there are policy positions that C.A.R. will be particularly focusing on next year. We will update this story if and when we hear back.

Email Andrea V. Brambila.

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