John Smaby

When National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) 2019 President John Smaby took the stage during the Inaugural Gala at the 2018 REALTORS® Conference & Expo in Boston, he demonstrated what kind of leader he is: one with emotional intelligence who brings more love than ego to the presidency of the 1.3 million-member group. Throughout this next year, Smaby is a spokesperson for the real estate industry in the United States and throughout the world. He brings continuity to the role carrying forward the work of 2018 NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall while using his own considerable communication skills to tell NAR’s story to REALTORS® and consumers. 

With innovations such as blockchain and iBuyer models reshaping the business landscape, Smaby leads NAR’s advocacy for REALTORS®. He has outlined five strategic priorities for 2019: advancing member and consumer communications; redoubling efforts in advocacy and regulatory monitoring; heightening NAR’s role as a steward of data; enhancing the member experience; and tackling affordability and supply issues.

Smaby says his father, 1976 NAR President Philip Smaby, gave him a deep respect for the profession and a love of the REALTOR® organization. An Edina, Minn., broker with 38 years in business, Smaby brings his trademark enthusiasm to his status as an RISMedia Newsmaker: “I share this award with my 1.3 million fellow REALTORS® because every member of the REALTOR® community, whether they make the news or not, has their own stories of the work they’ve done, giving back, to help build and strengthen communities nationwide. Great work makes for great stories, and REALTORS® have a lot to tell!”