Sam DeBord

In April 2019, Sam DeBord was appointed CEO of the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), bringing 20 years of expertise in real estate brokerage, lending and technology consulting to the 850-member organization.

Since taking the leadership role, DeBord has guided RESO’s work to create, adopt and accelerate the implementation of open standards that create efficiency and technology progress in the real estate industry.

RESO’s efforts to speed adoption of the Web API specification reached a tipping point in 2019. Not only are some of the largest technology companies adopting modern standards, but brokers’ vendors are also demanding that their MLS and technology partners upgrade their infrastructure to adopt the RESO Web API. As MLS organizations have begun mandating marketplace Web API usage, the industry’s momentum toward modernization has reached an unstoppable pace.

“The collaborative functioning of the organized real estate marketplace is the greatest consumer benefit that the industry provides,” says DeBord. “As an agent, broker, REALTOR® representative, MLS director and CEO of RESO, it has always been an honor to influence the industry toward reinforcing and amplifying the pro-consumer benefits of an MLS marketplace. I am extremely proud of the work I’ve been able to do.”

DeBord has served in a range of industry leadership positions, including as president’s liaison for MLS and data management with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). He’s been a board member for NAR, Second Century Ventures and CRMLS, as well as held executive roles at various companies. DeBord began his career as a management consultant for PricewaterhouseCoopers.