Did you know that NAR’s territories are broken up into 13 regions? Tennessee is part of Region 4, which comprises three other states: Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. According to NAR, “The Regional Vice Presidents (RVPs) of the National Association of REALTORS® consist of 13 elected individuals who are appointed to oversee the work of the National Association in their respective region and act as the representative of the President in such matters as may be assigned to them. In addition to serving as the spokesperson for the Association in their respective region, the RVP identifies problems or opportunities within the region and assists wherever possible.”
2026 NAR Regional Vice President (and Tennessee REALTOR®) Hagan Stone for Region 4 recently joined Tennessee REALTORS® CEO Angela Shields on the Real Tea Podcast to discuss Region 4 and what’s happening at NAR. Once a combined ceremonial and liaison role, the RVP position has evolved over time, says Hagan. While the role still retains some of those responsibilities, RVPs now serve as the bridge between NAR and the state associations. “…You’re the conduit with all of NAR policy all the things that are going on there legally, everything from advocacy to MLS and all the way down back to the CEOs and presidents of the state associations,” says Hagan.
Being a part of Region 4 has its benefits, Hagan noted. All of the associations have experienced membership growth over time. Because each state has different economies and its own strengths, the four states are able to come together as a think tank and collaborate on how to provide better service to their members. It also serves as a great referral service at the regional caucuses, receptions, and other events held during the NAR meetings. Hagan explained, “I do think, you know, the majority of people that I refer out to in the Region are people that I’ve served with in the Region doing something because I have the relationship.”
The theme this year, set by 2026 NAR President Kevin Brown, is “Back to Business.” Kevin Brown is a seasoned REALTOR® based out of Oakland, CA, with over 40 years of experience in commerical investment real estate. One of his priorities and initiatives includes streamlining and consolidating things over at NAR from top to bottom for cost efficiency and value-add for its members. Hagan added, “So, we’re looking at things right now that maybe are not fitting that description, and we’re sunsetting some areas, some committees, some forums just because that work is being done in other places.”
Secondly, Hagan states that safeguarding the real estate profession and winning the trust of its members is another priority of President Brown’s. Over recent years, NAR has had to overcome many obstacles: leadership fallout, losing several NAR lawsuits, and an iffy economy. The main focus now is to show the value of being a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and to address and solve the issues that have loomed over NAR, including one of the biggest changes: new leadership and staff, starting at the very top with CEO Nykia Wright. Nykia entered NAR as an interim CEO, and her extensive career experience in leadership and strategic advising made her permanent CEO shortly after.
With the new addition of Nykia, she also put together a team with some of the brightest individuals in the industry, including Sherry Chris, former CEO of Anywhere Brands; Jarrod Grasso, former CEO of New Jersey REALTORS®; and Nykea Pippion McGriff, an accomplished Chicago REALTOR® with abundant leadership experience in real estate. So far this year, they’ve held 40 sit-down meetings with large brokers throughout the country and plan on continuing these meetings through the end of the year.
Hagan explained that this is an important step forward for NAR because it has not worked closely with large brokerages throughout the country for several decades. Reestablishing relationships and improving communication have played a large part in reforming NAR. Along with her new team, Nykia has brought onboard qualified people to join the NAR staff in many areas of the organization, such as communications, human resources, and finance.
Ever since Nykia assumed her role, Hagan said that many rank-and-file employees over at NAR has seen a positive change in their work culture and environment. Hagan shared with Angela the positive experiences from employees he’s encountered: “…One of the employees they talked to just basically said, ‘It’s a new day here because I never really saw a previous CEO before really in our offices. And when people get here, Nykia Wright is already there. And when we leave, she’s still in her office working…’.” Nykia’s work ethic and dedication have had a trickle-down effect and brought NAR employees renewed energy and pride in the work that they do.
To better serve its members, NAR is also investing in improving and recreating its education programming. The three areas of focus include professional standards, the NAR Code of Ethics, and advocacy. With education and advocacy, members can show value to their clients and learn about what associations at the local, state, and national levels are doing to help protect homeownership and private property rights.
“I will be honest before I say what I hear about it: I’ve been doing this for almost 27 years, and I’ve never seen so much change happen so quickly as in the last three to five years of our business,” Hagan stated. “And the one thing that I would say is always constant is the change that comes, but this has been a lot of change. So, I feel like, you know, when I’m around, I feel like people have a true optimism for where we’re headed.” He also expressed optimism: NAR falling within budget so far this year, the smart and capable people now leading NAR, and NAR’s several recent housing-related wins at Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C.
For newer members, Hagan recommends getting involved early on in your career and immersing yourself into real estate; show up at the office everyday even if remote work is available, and attend any events or seminars they’re invited to. Being around fellow REALTORS®, both new and experienced, is important for advancing your real estate career because it empowers members and provides all the knowledge gained by discussing real estate. Sharing each other’s challenges and opportunities in their practice helps with business planning and increasing profitability down the road.
Lastly, Hagan encourages those with the “calling” with the passion and energy to volunteer and serve to do so. “So, I think if you’re called to something and you don’t do it, you’re always going to wonder what if I had. …But I think that if all of us who have done this for a certain amount of time and have the energy and the passion for it and understand sort of the plight of the REALTOR® on the street, and you get a nudge, you should be doing this.”