NAR staffers call for leadership’s removal amid upheaval

Angry staff members of the Chicago-based National Association of Realtors are pressing for major leadership changes amid sexual misconduct controversy surrounding the nonprofit industry group.

NAR employees are calling for the immediate removal of CEO Bob Goldberg, president Tracy Kasper, senior vice president of talent development Donna Gland and general counsel Katie Johnson, Crain’s reported.

Controversy within the organization erupted following a New York Times exposé detailing a “culture of fear” created by its past president, Kenny Parcell, who resigned in late August in light of sexual harassment allegations by multiple women with ties to the NAR.

Staff members allege that upper-level management was aware of the pattern of misconduct but prioritized protecting the president over the well-being of the staff, according to a letter obtained by the outlet.

“Our leadership has failed us,” the letter says. “We are tired of watching our talented teammates walk out the door.”

The New York Times investigation revealed multiple instances of misconduct by Parcell, including retaliation against a colleague, indecent exposure and inappropriate text messages. Parcell denied the allegations but resigned shortly thereafter.

Goldberg initially downplayed the issue but later acknowledged the need for action. Recently, California-based Great Places to Work decertified NAR as a “Great Place to Work,” which NAR had received every year since 2020.

In response to the staff’s letter, NAR issued a statement affirming its commitment to addressing the issue and implementing safeguards to create a respectful and inclusive workplace, the publication reported.

Goldberg has held the CEO role since 2017, and “has overseen transformations that have positioned NAR as real estate’s leading figure in the fight for diversity and inclusion,” the NAR’s website says, adding that he has also contributed to making it “an association lauded for a genuine, unwavering commitment to its members.”

There are more than 1.5 million Realtors who are members of NAR across the globe.

The staffers’ letter not only demands the removal of key executives but also their exclusion from the process of selecting their successors, underscoring their call for a fundamental change in leadership to address the allegedly toxic culture within the organization.

— Quinn Donoghue 

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