An abrupt leadership change is underway at the National Association of Realtors as Kenny Parcell resigned from his presidency, effective immediately. The move comes after an article in the New York Times detailed sexual harassment accusations by NAR staff and members.
Parcell, who has served as NAR’s president since November 2022, released a letter Monday saying, in part, that his resignation was a recognition of the need to “put the organization’s needs first.” He has denied the allegations.
Parcell’s one-year term as president was not scheduled to end until November. Tracy Kasper, who was NAR’s president-elect, will take over the leadership role immediately.
“Our commitment to our staff and our members is unwavering, and we will continue to enhance the way we foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace. We will work to ensure the relationship between staff and members acknowledges not only staff expertise but also their commitment to the association, in addition to the members,” Kasper wrote in a letter to NAR members. “It is important to all of us at NAR that we take this moment to learn and focus on building a culture of comradery where we can do the good work we are all so passionate about. And, when an issue arises, that we all feel safe to say something. This is a really hard time for our association. But I know this is an opportunity to really listen and grow together. As your president, I take the responsibility of rebuilding very seriously. Know I’m here for you, as is the entire leadership team, and we will get through this together.”
For it’s part, NAR says it is committed to providing a safe, productive and welcoming environment for staff and association members free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. The association requires staff and volunteer leaders to take regular anti-harassment training, while also urging staff and members to report concerns or potential policy violations through their available channels.
As we previously reported, Janelle Brevard, former chief storyteller for the National Association of Realtors, suddenly dropped her lawsuit against the Association earlier this Summer. Brevard had accused Parcell of racial and sexual harassment following her firing from the organization. Word of other instances of harassment soon followed.
The Times reports that within NAR and its affiliates, 29 employees and former leaders told reporters that NAR leaders did not adequately address a culture of bad behavior, despite complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation by Parcell and other leaders.