When Patricia (Pat) Connors began work at the Kent Washington Association of REALTORS®, Wash., in 1980 as the first paid staff member, she thought she was being hired as a secretary. She soon learned that she was actually the executive officer. The association has grown from 200 to nearly 1,500 today. Now, in addition to the association executive, the association staffs one full-time and two part-time employees. Connors is looking forward to retiring but says she will stay on the job until the search committee finds the right person. Connors has served on NAR’s AE committee and the AE Transition Work Group.

In a farewell YouTube video tribute, the members and staff of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® said “thank you” to Bill Gerst, RCE, CAE, for 33 years of service, most recently as the VP of public affairs. Gerst was responsible for the association’s local and regional governmental affairs program and coordinated strategic relationships with business and community organizations. He also worked closely with equal opportunity and cultural diversity issues. Prior to serving in this position, Gerst handled the association’s ethics and arbitration program, directed the education program, and oversaw day-to-day operational programs.

Even though Keith Holm, RCE, is retiring as CEO of the St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, Minn., after 30 years, associations across the country can still benefit from his expertise. As a facilitator of the national association’s REALTOR® Leadership Program, Holm shares his deep practical knowledge of leadership. He has served as the chair of the AE Committee and on numerous NAR committees and work groups, including: MLS, Member Policy, Finance, the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. Ron Covert replaced Holm as CEO in July. Tributes from dozens of colleagues, staff, and members are collected in a farewell video posted on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0uDrC8Qj6Q.

Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® CEO, Robert (Bob) W. Peirce, RCE, will retire at the end of 2011, after 17 years with the organization. Peirce has also served on the NAR board of directors. Rebecca F. Grossman, RCE, will succeed Peirce.

Retiring soon? Let us know: e-mail cschwaar@realtors.org.

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