Denee Evans to step down as CMLS CEO at the end of the year

“Leading CMLS has been the honor of a lifetime,” Evans said in a statement. “Together, we’ve built something lasting — an organization that supports, elevates, and connects the MLS community like never before.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and confident in what comes next. While I’ve decided not to renew my contract at the end of the year, I remain fully committed to supporting a smooth transition and continuing our momentum through 2025.”

Evans joined CMLS in 2014 as its first full-time staff member. During her time at the organization, CMLS has grown from an annual conference to a national organization that advocates for MLS policy and collaboration. 

“Leading a national organization through change and growth takes more than just skill, it takes heart. Denee brought both in abundance,” Shelley Specchio, the CEO of MIBOR Realtor Association and the director of CMLS, said in a statement.

“She led CMLS for the last decade with thoughtfulness, strength, and deep commitment to elevating the MLS Industry. Her influence will be felt long after her time with CMLS has ended. I am grateful to have played even a small part in bringing her into this industry and I consider it a privilege to have witnessed her leadership up close.”

The trade group is working with Career Management Partners to conduct a national search for a new CEO. CMLS said it would like to announce Evans’ successor in time for its annual conference, which takes place September 23-25 in Toronto.

This is the second leadership announcement from CMLS in May. Last week, the trade group announced the hiring of Rene Galicia as its first chief operating officer.