The president of the largest trade association in the United States is stepping down just months after taking office.
Tracy Casper, president of the National Association of Realtors, will leave the organization and will be replaced by President-elect Kevin Sears effective immediately, the National Association of Realtors said Monday.
NAR said in a statement that Kasper informed her leadership team that she “recently received a threat to disclose a prior personal, non-financial matter unless she relinquishes her position at NAR.”
The organization said Casper “refused to do so” and reported the threat to law enforcement.
But “Ms. NAR added that Casper felt that under the circumstances, it was best for the organization to step down. “The leadership team is deeply concerned about any attempt to undermine his administration and, as a result, is taking steps to protect the integrity of the organization.”
Casper only recently assumed her position, assuming the presidency in late August 2023, following the resignation of former President Kenny Parcell. Parcell resigned after The New York Times published an investigation into allegations that he sexually harassed several women at NAR.
This is the third high-profile resignation NAR has faced in the past year. Parcell's departure followed the early retirement of Bob Goldberg, the organization's CEO.
The turmoil at NAR comes as the organization and real estate brokerage firms face legal scrutiny over outdated practices, including how NAR and brokerage firms structure agent commissions and control the Multiple Listing Service, where most homes are listed for sale.
Casper also spoke about the decision to leave. “As a result of the recent threat and given the importance of this moment to me, my family and the organization, it is time once again for me to put NAR’s interests first,” Kasper said.
“It is therefore with a mixture of gratitude and a heavy heart that I tender my resignation as your President effective immediately,” she added.
