August 19, 2024 – Chicago: The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) has officially named Nykia Wright as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Wright, who has been serving as the interim CEO since November 2023, brings a wealth of experience in organizational transformation and is set to lead NAR through an exciting period of change and growth.
A Proven Leader for a Time of Transformation
Nykia Wright’s appointment as CEO has been met with enthusiasm across the industry. Kevin Sears, the 2024 NAR President and broker-associate of Sears Real Estate/Lamacchia Realty in Springfield, Mass., expressed his confidence in Wright's leadership, stating, “I am thrilled Nykia is staying on board to lead us through this time of transformation. She has been instrumental in leading us up to this point, and her unwavering commitment to our members makes her the ideal steward for guiding our association through the evolving real estate landscape."
Since stepping into the interim role, Wright has made significant strides in addressing critical issues within the association. Early in 2024, she successfully led NAR through negotiations to settle and resolve claims related to broker commissions brought on behalf of home sellers. Additionally, she has been at the forefront of the Culture Transformation Commission, a new initiative aimed at fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment within NAR. This commission, composed of over 70 members from various levels of the association, is dedicated to breaking down barriers and ensuring that NAR continues to meet the diverse needs of its members well into the future.
Focused on Members and the Future of Real Estate
Under Wright's leadership, NAR is sharpening its focus on its core mission: serving its members. She is committed to enhancing communication within the organization and making NAR more agile in response to the rapidly changing real estate landscape. Among her immediate priorities are guiding the association through the implementation of proposed settlement practice changes and prioritizing ongoing education, training, and compliance for both consumers and agents.
In her own words, Wright expressed her dedication to the association and its members: “I am honored to have earned the confidence and trust from the Leadership Team to guide this organization at such a critical point. I am committed to ensuring our association remains a powerful and effective voice for the industry and to fulfilling our goal to bring the privilege of homeownership to more Americans. I am clear-eyed about our past and present, and I am hyper-focused on building trust with NAR’s many stakeholders so that we can be successful in ensuring we are bringing the best of NAR to each and every one of our members.”
A Leader with a Vision for Transformation
Wright’s background is a testament to her capability to lead NAR into the future. Before joining NAR, she served as the CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times, where she spearheaded a digital transformation and oversaw a merger with WBEZ (Chicago Public Media), creating one of the largest nonprofit local newsrooms in the country. Her experience in managing disruption, driving change, and implementing digital strategies in the media industry has earned her recognition as a transformative leader.
Wright’s career began in the financial services industry, and she later became a strategy and business transformation consultant, advising Fortune 500 companies and top-tier universities on operational, financial, and performance improvement initiatives. Additionally, she co-founded SonicMESSENGER, a SaaS startup focused on democratizing audience engagement through smart audio technology.
Beyond her professional achievements, Wright is actively involved in her community. She serves on the board of the Better Government Association and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, her alma mater.
Looking Ahead
As Nykia Wright steps into her role as the permanent CEO of NAR, the association is poised to continue its evolution in a rapidly changing industry. Her leadership promises to bring a fresh perspective and a renewed focus on serving the members of NAR and advancing the real estate profession.
For the members of NCJAR, Wright’s appointment signals a commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and member-centric leadership at the highest level of our national association. Stay tuned for more updates on how these developments will impact our local community and the broader real estate landscape.
