The CEO of the National Association of Realtors is stepping down, days after the real estate group was found liable for conspiring to inflate prices

Washington, DC
CNN
—

The National Association of Realtors, the nation’s largest trade association, will step down from CEO Bob Goldberg, the organization announced Thursday.

Earlier this week, a federal jury in Missouri found NAR and two brokerage firms conspired to keep real estate agent commissions artificially high and determined they were liable for $1.8 billion in damages.

NAR has had a tough year, putting aside jury verdicts and even a turbulent housing market.

In August, NAR President, Agent Member Kenny Parcell, She resigned amid sexual harassment allegations. Earlier this month, Redfin has withdrawn its membership From fire.

Nikia Wright, former CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, has been named interim CEO of NAR, effective November 20.

She began her career in the financial services sector, and before leading the Sun-Times, she was a strategic consultant advising companies and organizations on operational and financial issues and improving performance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nykia as interim CEO,” said Tracy Kasper, president of NAR, a real estate agent from Nampa, Idaho, and brokerage owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Silverhawk Realty.

“Her deep experience leading organizational transformation puts her in a good position to advance our strategy, vision and cultural initiatives,” Casper said. “I look forward to working with her, in partnership with our leadership team and staff, to continue to strengthen our organization.”

The National Association of Realtors is a powerful non-profit organization with over $1 billion in assets and over 1.5 million members who are real estate agents and housing industry employees who have trademarked the title “Realtor.”

Goldberg, NAR’s outgoing CEO, said in a statement Thursday that his decision to leave the company was made in October.

“After announcing my decision to retire earlier this year, and as I reflected on my 30 years at NAR, I decided last month that now was the time for this extraordinary organization to look to the future,” Goldberg said.

“Nykia’s strategic expertise and forward-looking perspective are exactly what NAR needs to continue advancing its mission in an ever-changing world,” he added.