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The National Association of REALTORS® announced Thursday the appointment of Matthew Cenedella as its new chief financial officer. Cenedella succeeds longtime CFO John Pierpoint, who will retire at the end of the month.
“Matthew’s versatility and his extensive background in finance, strategic planning and operational leadership roles will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our financial strategies, propel NAR toward a higher-performing workplace and deliver greater value to our members,” says NAR CEO Nykia Wright.
Cenedella previously served as chief operating officer and treasurer for the Women’s Tennis Association, the principal organizing body of women's professional tennis. At WTA, he played a key role in strategic planning, financial development and member relations. He grew the association’s revenues from $40 million to over $125 million through the strategic development of owned assets, media and events. He also shepherded the founding and growth of WTA’s $32 million data division, and he helped establish WTA Ventures, now valued at $750 million, to accelerate the commercial growth of women’s tennis. Before becoming COO, he served as WTA chief administrative officer, with oversight across finance, treasury, human resources, compliance, information technology and onsite operations. Before joining the WTA in 2010, Cenedella held finance roles at IMG Worldwide, American Greetings, Nestle Waters, Reader’s Digest Association and Deloitte & Touche.
Both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Cenedella also serves as treasurer for the U.S. Center for SafeSport, an organization dedicated to athlete safety in Olympic and Paralympic sports. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from New York University.
Cenedella begins his new role at NAR on March 19. His appointment comes as NAR evolves to meet the changing needs of members. Wright told the association’s board of directors at its Nov. 11 meeting that “financial discipline and stewardship in all areas of our business” is one of her top priorities.
"I am honored to join NAR at such a pivotal time for the real estate industry," Cenedella says. "Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work across diverse financial landscapes, from corporate enterprises to nonprofit associations, and I look forward to leveraging that experience to ensure the organization’s financial strength and to position it for strategic growth where it best suits our mission to support NAR’s members.”
The retiring Pierpoint has served NAR for nearly four decades. In addition to being CFO, Pierpoint was staff executive to NAR’s Finance Committee for 20 years and served NAR’s Investment Advisory Board and Real Property Operations Committee. More recently, he has served as secretary-treasurer to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation, as well as other entities affiliated with NAR.
