The National Association of Realtors® just announced a strategic addition to its organization. Sherry Chris has joined the organization as an independent consultant and special advisor to NAR CEO Nykia Wright.
This new role will see Chris providing targeted counsel aimed at strengthening relationships, building trust, and fostering collaboration across the real estate sector.
Wright had this to say about Chris:
Sherry brings unmatched expertise and a unique, well-informed perspective on the real estate brokerage landscape, which will be critical as we enhance NAR’s collaboration with industry partners and drive stronger alignment across the sector. Her ability to build meaningful connections and offer forward-thinking perspectives will help guide NAR’s approach to meeting the complex and varied needs of the real estate community.
Here’s what you need to know about this new development and what it means for NAR’s future.
The Advisory Role: Strengthen NAR’s Industry Relationships
Chris’ role as an advisor to NAR CEO Nykia Wright will focus on engaging directly with brokerage leaders. This one-on-one interaction will help NAR better understand the challenges and opportunities facing real estate professionals today.
Key areas of focus for Chris include:
- Soliciting Broker Needs & Concerns: Chris and Wright will work closely with brokers to gather insights on the future of the industry and its evolving needs.
- Fostering Open Dialogue: One of her primary objectives will be to create opportunities for open communication between NAR and its industry partners.
- Creating Solutions: Chris will help guide NAR’s strategies to drive trust, value, and collaboration, ensuring NAR remains a strong partner for real estate professionals nationwide.
As Chris herself shared:
I am honored to work alongside Nykia and the leadership team at NAR during such an important time for our industry. My goal is to better understand the concerns and priorities of brokerage leaders across the country and help create solutions that drive trust, value and collaboration for the very many important stakeholders in real estate.
A Storied Career in Real Estate
Chris has 18 years of experience at Anywhere Real Estate Inc., most recently serving as Executive Advisor. She brings extensive knowledge of the real estate industry to her role as a consultant to NAR’s leadership team.
Throughout her career, Chris has held top positions at some of the most prominent brands in the industry, including:
- CEO of Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE): Under her leadership, BHGRE expanded to over 40 U.S. states and six countries, establishing itself as a lifestyle brand.
- CEO of ERA Real Estate: Chris guided ERA through substantial growth, extending its reach to 43 U.S. states and 34 countries.
- COO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate: Her leadership helped shape some of the industry’s most recognized brands.
Chris has also been celebrated for her marketing innovation, franchise sales expertise, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of real estate leaders. Some of her recognitions include:
- RISMedia Newsmakers Hall of Fame (2021): Chris’ career has cemented her as one of the industry’s most influential figures.
- Inman’s 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders: She’s regularly named among the top leaders shaping the future of real estate.
- HousingWire Woman of Influence (2021): Acknowledged for her impact on the industry.
- Swanepoel Power 200 & RealTrends’ Gamechanger: Recognized as one of the top real estate executives.
- Diversity Journal’s Women Worth Watching: Honored for her work in promoting diversity within the real estate community.
In addition, Chris has contributed to industry organizations, such as NAR’s Real Estate Services Advisory Group (where she served as board chair) and The Realty Alliance (where she was its first female board chair).
Chris also helped found the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and remains an active member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America.
From NAR President Kevin Sears:
Having known Sherry for nearly a decade, I know firsthand that she is well equipped to provide the kind of leadership and insight that comes from years of experience, rising the ranks from a practitioner to a branch and regional manager and finally as a leader at the helm of several major brokerages and brands – a unique perspective that speaks to the diverse needs of our members.
Her extensive leadership experience with brokerages both large and small provides her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the industry. 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.
