Dear respected members of the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association,
As we stand on the brink of a new chapter, I am humbled and honored to address you as the incoming chair of our esteemed real estate association. The upcoming year promises to be a dynamic journey, characterized by change and fueled by our collective
commitment to growth in an ever-evolving environment.
Our new chapter begins with Tom Larson taking over as WRA President & CEO following the retirement of Mike “Laki” Theo. Tom is no stranger to the WRA with 27 years of experience during which time he has proven his passion for the industry, incredible
knowledge and constant strategic thinking, which places the WRA in the best possible hands.
I have had the opportunity to witness the respect and admiration the WRA and staff receive in my travels, and I can tell you firsthand we are a sought-after association with our structure and leadership. The cultivation of great volunteer teammates on
the WRA board of directors and committees as well as our tenured staff members who commit to tireless hours (I seriously don’t think the staff ever sleep!) has proven to be a winning combination. I am so blessed to be able to serve as your chair in
2024 and to be a part of this team in this new chapter.
In the year ahead, our main priority will be the topic that is first and foremost on our minds — the outcome of the litigation in the Burnett v. NAR et al case. The WRA will focus on this to ensure we are well positioned and educated on the future
of our business and the outcome of the appeal. NAR has great educational resources at www.nar.realtor/competition-in-real-estate.
Additional priorities for the year ahead include:
Advocating for solutions: To combat the housing supply shortage, we must come together as an association and advocate for comprehensive solutions. This includes efforts like streamlining regulatory processes, encouraging inclusive zoning
policies and investing in infrastructure.
Embracing change: Change is not just a constant; it is the heartbeat of progress. In the fast-paced world of real estate, we must not merely adapt to change but embrace it wholeheartedly. As your 2024 chair, I am dedicated to leading
our association through a strategic embrace of change. This involves staying agile, leveraging emerging technologies, and proactively shaping our practices to align with the evolving needs of our industry.
Cultivating growth: Growth is not just a measure of success; it is the result of our collective efforts to innovate, learn and expand our horizons. Over the coming year, we will focus on fostering growth at every level of our association.
This includes empowering our members with the tools and knowledge to excel in their professional journeys, expanding our networks, exploring new avenues for collaboration and partnerships, and streamlining processes to open new opportunities.
As servant leaders, we must acknowledge the challenges of learning and growth. The journey of leadership is often likened to drinking from a firehose: there is an overwhelming amount of information, skills and experiences coming at us all at once. But
it is precisely in these moments of intense learning that servant leadership can truly shine.
So as we turn the page of our amazing 2023 leader Joe Horning, I cannot express my utmost gratitude to Joe for his humble servant leadership. I have been so honored to serve alongside Joe and his calm and steady nature along with his friendship — thank
you Joe. I am eager to collaborate in the pursuit of excellence and growth with the 2024 WRA leadership team consisting of Chris DeVincentis, Amy Curler, Shawna Alt and Steve Lillestrand.
Thank you,
Mary Jo Bowe
2024 WRA Chair