RISMEDIA, April 2, 2009-Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, mourns the loss of Brenda W. Casserly, president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems LLC. Casserly passed away early yesterday morning after a long and brave battle with cancer. For the past eight years, Casserly was personally responsible for leading the growth, development and strategic direction of ERA, one of the world’s premier residential real estate franchise brokerage networks.
Company executives who worked closely with Casserly expressed their admiration for her and spoke about the legacy she leaves behind:
‘I was fortunate to have known Brenda for many years and knew her as a tremendous human being and a true leader who was greatly admired for her genuinely caring nature, passion for the ERA brand, and an abundance of personal and professional accomplishments. She will be greatly missed.”
–Richard A. Smith, President & CEO, Realogy Corporation
“I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Brenda for nearly two decades. Her passion for the business and incredible enthusiasm, often accented by a broad smile, was not only genuine, but contagious as well. Even when faced with a life threatening illness, her spirit and commitment to making a difference was inspirational. The industry has lost a brave, talented and gracious leader.”
–Alex Perriello, President & CEO, Realogy Franchise Group
“Brenda was a born leader. Most importantly, she was a leader with a heart and a sense of humor. She believed everyone at every level was a critical part of the ERA team, and she made sure they knew it. Her personality will be missed as much as her outstanding leadership.”
— Charlie Young, Chief Operating Officer, ERA Real Estate
“Brenda was the consummate real estate professional. She lived and breathed the industry, always looking forward towards its betterment and never backward. That being said, she always made time for family, friends and colleagues. I know I speak for many when I say she was a loving and dedicated mentor to those of us she brought along in the industry. She never lost the human touch.”
— P.J. Martin Smith, Senior Vice President of Marketing, ERA Real Estate
In a real estate career spanning more than two decades, Casserly was recognized as an industry leader, most recently being named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Real Estate in 2008. She joined the ERA team in 1998 as a senior vice president, quickly became chief operating officer and was appointed president in 2001. Under her leadership, ERA Real Estate increased sales volume by more than 50 percent while significantly growing the franchise network both domestically and internationally. She was also the driving force in the development of many of the tools ERA Real Estate provides to its brokers and sales associates to help them succeed both personally and professionally.
Casserly obtained a bachelor’s degree in history and sociology as well as a master’s degree in consultative psychology from East Tennessee State University. She is survived by her husband, Michael F. Casserly, two children, two stepchildren and two grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Casserly’s memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), either online or by mail to MDA National Headquarters, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85718 to the attention of “Memorial Contributions.” The Muscular Dystrophy Association is a cause that was very close to Brenda’s heart. In 2008, ERA Real Estate and its franchise affiliates presented $1.1 million in donations for MDA during the 43rd annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. ERA has supported MDA in its fight against neuromuscular diseases for more than 30 years, raising more than $30 million for MDA since 1977.
