MRED Takes Bold Step to Elect Outside Director

We are so excited to see how MLSs are starting to cross-pollinate talent across markets. Congrats to MRED in Chicago for electing Art Carter, CEO of the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, the nation’s largest MLS to their Board of Directors.

We, at WAV Group often promote the idea of inviting diverse talent and perspectives to sit on MLS Boards. Boards in most industries elect participants with diverse backgrounds in finance, marketing, product development and management. MLSs generally only invite agents and brokers from their local region to participate.

A move to elect a strategic manager from outside of the MRED region demonstrates how Boards can become more well-informed by encouraging a depth of expertise and perspectives to the table. Art Carter is a great choice to prove out how MLSs can learn from one another. Mr. Carter not only runs CRMLS. He is also the chairman of the board of RESO(Real Estate Standards Organization) and is also heavily involved in the Council of MLS and the COVE group. He has a strong financial management background so he can help bring accounting disciplines unique to MLS organizations. He will add a new dimension to the discussions on key strategic issues that will undoubtedly help drive MRED to continue to strengthen its leadership position in the industry.

Great job MRED! Congratulations Art!

Here’s the Full Press Release:

Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED), Chicagoland’s multiple listing service (MLS), announced that Art Carter, Chief Executive Officer of the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), has been elected to MRED’s Board as its new Strategic Manager.

MRED created the position of Strategic Manager, to be filled by up to two individuals at the discretion of and election by MRED’s Board members. Strategic Managers are invited onto the Board because of their expertise and participate on an advisory basis. Their input is invited to enhance the ability of MRED’s leadership to make the best decisions and serve their real estate professionals in the most effective manner.

As CEO, Mr. Carter oversees the strategic direction of CRMLS. With more than 80,000 agents, it is the MLS serving the largest number of real estate professionals in the country, encompassing 36 REALTOR® associations across California. Mr. Carter has been CEO of CRMLS since 2005, and under his leadership it has successfully merged with three other MLSs, obtaining over 40,000 new members.

Mr. Carter is one of Inman News’ 100 Most Influential Real Estate Leaders and one of the Top 20 Association/MLS Executives in the Swanepoel Power 200. In 2012, he was inducted into the Dr. Almon R. (Bud) Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society in recognition of this dedicated service and commitment to advancing the REALTOR® organization and the Association Management profession. A Past President of the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), he is currently serving as the Chair of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO).