NAR CEO Bob Goldberg Hastens Departure; Chicago Media Exec Nykia Wright to Take Over Nov. 20

While Bob Goldberg, CEO of the National Association of Realtors, had planned to retire at the end of 2024, the nation’s largest trade organization just announced that the timeline for his exit has accelerated. Former Chicago media exec Nykia Wright will replace Golberg as interim CEO effective Nov. 20.

The news of Goldberg’s departure comes days after his testimony in the landmark Sitzer/Burnett trial that has rocked the real estate industry. The $1.78 billion judgment, which will certainly be appealed, has created uncertainty throughout the residential real estate market. As of Nov. 1, real estate stocks are reeling from the trial’s outcome and the second class-action suit filed by the plaintiffs. Zillow’s stock price took a nosedive and has yet to recover, falling 9.5 percent in the two days following the judgment.

Wright, a Dartmouth grad, was the CEO of the Chicago Sun-Times and led the paper through a digital-first transition and merger with the famous WBEZ (Chicago Public Media). According to NAR’s press release, before her run at the Sun-Times, Wright was a strategy and business transformation consultant who advised companies and organizations on a variety of operational, financial, and performance improvement matters.

“We are delighted to welcome Nykia as interim CEO,” said NAR President Tracy Kasper, a Realtor from Nampa, Idaho, and broker-owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Silverhawk Realty. “Her deep experience driving organizational transformation positions her well to advance our strategy, vision, and culture initiatives. I look forward to working with her, in partnership with our Leadership Team and staff, to continue strengthening our organization.

While the time frame is sooner than originally planned, Goldberg spoke of the transition positively.

“After announcing my decision to retire earlier this year, and as I reflected on my 30 years at NAR, I determined last month that now is the right time for this extraordinary organization to look to the future,” Goldberg said. “Nykia’s strategic expertise and forward-looking perspective are exactly what NAR needs to continue advancing its mission in an ever-changing world. I am grateful for the privilege of leading NAR and confident that the association will continue delivering incredible value to its members for generations to come.”