Longtime Texas Realtors Executive VP Mike Bennett will take over as CEO on April 1; RESO announces 2025 board.
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Editor's note: As an industry with millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerage companies, new leaders rise to the top every day. Here we highlight executives and other notable leaders who've recently taken on, or stepped away from, roles that influence the residential real estate landscape.
Travis Kessler, who saw membership in Texas Realtors more than double in his time as president and CEO, has announced his plans to retire on March 31.
Mike Barnett, the organization's executive vice president for the past dozen years, will take over as president and CEO on April 1.
"I know the organization is in good hands," Kessler said. "Mike Barnett brings an impressive 18 years of experience and deep knowledge from within Texas Realtors to his new role as CEO."
Kessler praised Barnett's "expertise in political and legislative affairs, strategic planning, and financial management" as well as his "caring personality." Barnett, for his part, said he is "deeply honored and humbled" to step into the role.
"My deepest gratitude and respect go to Travis Kessler for his many years of dedicated service to the organization," said Barnett. "Texas Realtors has been a driving force in empowering professionals and protecting property rights. I am excited to build on that legacy."
Kessler was hailed as an "exemplary leader" by Jef Conn, the 2024 chairman of the association, which had 75,000 members when Kessler took the helm and is now at more than 150,000.
RESO reveals 2025 board
The Real Estate Standards Organization unveiled its 2025 board of directors, including election winners as well as director-appointed members employed by entities ranging from Anywhere to Zillow.
Rebecca Jensen, president and CEO of Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), was chosen by the board to continue as chair.
"It is a pivotal year for organized real estate, and our membership responded by voting for steady guidance to lead the way," Jensen said. "We are thankful to all who heeded the call to leadership, and we look forward to seeing strong candidates return for future elections."
John Breault, VP, MLS with State-Wide MLS in Rhode Island and Greg Moore, CTO for Regional Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) in Oregon were elected to represent MLSs and Realtor associations. Breault was also selected as vice chair of the board.
Michael Hayes, executive director of industry development for Homes.com, will represent tech companies, developers, partners and consultants.
Caitlin McCrory, VP for industry relations at Anywhere and Joe Wilhelmy, VP for business and technology at RE/MAX will represent brokerages, agents and appraisers.
The board, meanwhile, appointed these at-large directors: Richard Renton, CEO, Triad MLS (who will also serve as RESO treasurer) ; Matt Hendricks, Zillow's senior director for industry affairs, Patrick Pichette, VP of REALTOR.ca, Strategic Business & Innovation, Canadian Real Estate Association; Dan Troup, CEO of Broker Public Portal; Ross Buck, CEO Omni MLS (board advisor).
More information, including continuing members of the board, is available at RESO.org.
