Trailblazers

Merle Whitehead

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Merle Whitehead was the founding chairman of the Broker Public Portal and John Mosey is the current chairman. They led a collaboration with the nation’s largest franchises, brokerages and MLSs to create a public-facing search platform that agents and brokers use to increase consumer engagement and generate leads. 

“The Broker Public Portal represents one of the most significant collaborations between the brokerage community and MLSs advancing a portal where they control the business rules for the benefit of the industry,” says Whitehead. 

“It is a great sign as to how the industry has grown up and has begun to marshal its talent and resources to own its future,” adds Mosey.   

The Broker Public Portal has vowed that it will never allow third-party advertising on the site and that the only people who will receive leads from inquiries will be the listing agent or the client’s own agent, if that connection has been made.

In 2016, Whitehead sold both RealtyUSA and 1st Priority Mortgage to Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, which helped Howard Hanna become the third-largest brokerage firm in the United States. Whitehead is currently chairman of New York State for Howard Hanna and is a REALTOR® Emeritus with 48 years of experience. In addition, he serves as chairman and CEO of 1st Priority Mortgage.

Mosey brings 40 years of experience on the MLS executive and technology vendor fronts to his role as president and CEO of Regional MLS of MN, Inc., where he continues to advocate for brokers and agents both locally and in national initiatives that include the Broker Public Portal, the MLS Grid, COVE, MLS RoundTable and with the National Association of REALTORS®.

“The Broker Public Portal is a fantastic example of how effective it can be for brokers and MLSs to work together to achieve strategic outcomes that make our industry stronger,” says Mosey.

Merle Whitehead
Chairman, New York State

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

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