Matt Braden

Matt Braden, CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Association of REALTORS® (GPAR), manages day-to-day operations and works closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee on fulfilling GPAR’s mission and strategic plan.

Braden turned the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown into a new opportunity to connect with members, while continuing to work on Association business. He leveraged connections at the National Association of REALTORS®, the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS®, and local and state governments to engage members, and lobbied the governor to reopen real estate business. 

For an eight-week period while real estate activity was prohibited in Pennsylvania, Braden hosted a total of 61 webinars featuring high-profile speakers that drew more than 4,200 attendees. GPAR also offered education sessions for agents so that they could use their downtime in constructive ways.

The work Braden did during the pandemic will be instrumental when it comes to maximizing member engagement in the future.