Editor’s Note: The following is an open letter to state and local REALTOR® associations from Russ Cofano, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations for Move, Inc. and realtor.com®, announcing two new executive positions focusing on strengthening relationships with state and local associations.
Dear Association Executive and REALTOR®Association Leader –
Having spent three years as the CEO of a state REALTOR® association, I know first-hand how important and influential state and local associations are in helping members navigate their businesses. For that reason, I am pleased to announce the appointments of veteran industry executives Mark Allen and Don Flynn to key leadership roles within the Move, Inc. industry relations organization. Don and Mark possess a deep knowledge of the real estate industry, and as equally important, both have strong relationships with state and local association executives and member leaders.
In their new roles as vice presidents of association industry relations, Mark and Don will help further strengthen our ongoing dialogue and ensure that we continue to deliver unparalleled service that directly speaks to the needs of your association and your members. They will be responsible for working with state and local REALTOR® associations to make sure your voices are heard by Move leadership. Both appointments will take effect on February 2, 2015.
Mark and Don both have established long-standing respected relationships with REALTOR® associations and their members, and are committed to helping ensure that REALTORS® maintain a vital and highly valued role in real estate transactions.
Prior to joining Move, Don held the role of CEO and CFO for the Colorado Association of REALTORS® – Colorado’s largest professional, voluntary, non-profit, real estate trade association. Previously, he served as CFO of the California Association of REALTORS® as well as for Real Estate Business Services, Inc.
Mark previously served as the CEO for the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® and for 10K Research & Marketing, LLC, and was a managing partner for Counselor Realty. He also served as the 2013 chairperson of the National Association of REALTORS® Association Executives Committee, promoting professional development among association executives. Most recently, he provided strategic counseling for REALTOR® associations, MLSs and technology and data companies as owner of RedShift Consulting.
Mark and Don offer deep specialization and insight with association, agent and broker audiences, which we know will serve you and your associations well.
Don and Mark will work collaboratively across both the association and MLS industries with our MLS industry relations team, which includes vice presidents Rhett Damon, Shelley Fowler and Bob Greenspan and directors Susan Young and Kathleen Wayson. The entire team plans to attend the 2015 Joint AE Institute in March in Vancouver and we can’t wait to see you at that great event.
Thank you for your continued support of our people, products and services and we look forward to a great 2015 and beyond.
Russ Cofano
Senior Vice President, Industry Relations
Move, Inc./realtor.com®
