A New Chapter of Leadership, Innovation, and Broker Partnership

Headshot of IMLS new CEO, Richard Gibbens

It is a tremendous honor to welcome Richard Gibbens – one of the smartest and most accomplished leaders in the MLS space today  to Intermountain MLS. His appointment reflects a thoughtful, disciplined, and forward-looking search process led by a highly capable IMLS Search Committee, led by Willis Stone, President of Intermountain MLS. The committee remained focused on identifying a leader who not only met rigorous technical and operational criteria, but who also demonstrated the vision, integrity, and collaborative spirit necessary to guide IMLS into its next era.

Having worked closely with the Search Committee throughout this process, I can personally attest to the diligence and care that went into this decision. The result is a leader uniquely prepared to elevate Intermountain MLS to the next level. He assumes his role on March 30, 2026.

A Proven Track Record of Modernization and Collaboration

I have personally worked with Richard for many years since his days at Southwest MLS. I have watched him grow and expand his influence throughout the MLS industry.

Richard most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Bluegrass REALTORS®, where he led strategic modernization initiatives, strengthened broker collaboration, and advanced data and technology capabilities. Under his leadership, the organization sharpened its operational focus while building stronger alignment with brokerage partners.

Prior to that role, he served as Executive Director of Southwest MLS with Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS®. There, he played a key leadership role in aligning association and MLS operations, enhancing data governance standards, and improving service delivery for brokers and agents. His experience navigating the increasingly complex intersection of policy, technology, and broker expectations makes him particularly well-suited for today’s rapidly evolving MLS environment.

Deep Industry Credentials and National Perspective

Richard is well-educated holding a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has earned some of the most respected credentials in organized real estate leadership, including:

  • REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE)
  • Certified MLS Executive Level 3 (CMLX3)
  • Real Estate Data Benchmark (RED-B)

He is also a frequent speaker at national and regional industry events, presenting on MLS evolution, data standards, broker partnership strategies, and the impact of emerging technologies. His national relationships and industry visibility will serve Intermountain MLS well as data policy, AI innovation, and broker-driven change reshape competitive advantage.

Positioned for Strategic Growth

Headshot of Willis Stone, IMLS Board President

“Intermountain MLS is uniquely positioned to lead in a rapidly evolving marketplace,” said Gibbens. “The organization benefits today from long-standing broker relationships, a strong suite of MLS technologies, strong engagement with technology training, and high-quality data. The progressive Board of Directors recognizes the importance of strategic innovation including AI-driven tools and analytics designed to enable brokers and agents to grow revenue, improve efficiency, and deliver greater value to consumers. I am ready to put my experience to work to build upon the solid foundation and continue advancing services that directly support customer success.”

Willis Stone, 2026 President of Intermountain MLS, emphasized the Board’s confidence in Gibbens’ leadership.

“Richard was selected for his unique combination of deep technical expertise, proven success building collaborative partnerships with managing brokers, and his ability to leverage national industry relationships to cultivate new opportunities for the organization,” said Stone. “He also brings a demonstrated ability to motivate teams and maximize staff effectiveness. We are confident in his capacity to align the IMLS team around clear priorities, strengthen operational performance, and position Intermountain MLS for long-term strategic growth.”

A Strong Foundation — and an Even Stronger Future

Intermountain MLS serves real estate professionals across Idaho and surrounding markets, providing comprehensive MLS services, data solutions, and technology tools that promote marketplace transparency, efficiency, and broker success.

With Richard Gibbens at the helm, IMLS is poised to build on its strong foundation — advancing data strategy, strengthening broker partnerships, and embracing AI-driven innovation to enhance customer value.

Richard, welcome to Intermountain MLS. We cannot wait to see how you lead this organization into its next chapter of growth, modernization, and impact.