National Association of Realtors head Tracy Kasper resigns over blackmail threat

The threat was to “to disclose a past personal, non-financial matter” unless she compromised her position at NAR, according to a statement from NAR on her resignation. Kasper had only been officially sworn in in late November 2023, although she assumed the role the previous August. Kasper couldn’t be reached for immediate comment about the matter.

The NAR had been rudderless since a bombshell August 2023 New York Times report revealed that former NAR president Kenny Parcell had been accused of sexual harassment by three women who worked for the Chicago-based group. The women described “a pattern of behavior that included improper touching and lewd photos and texts,” according to the report. Parcell’s resignation prompted Kasper to assume the post a few months ahead of schedule.

“As president and a long-time member of NAR, I always have put the interests of NAR first,” Kasper said in a statement. “As a result of the recent threat and given the significance of this moment for myself, my family and the organization, it is again time for me to put the interests of NAR first.” 

She informed NAR’s leadership team of the threat, who said it was “deeply concerned about any attempt to undermine its governance,” and was “taking steps to protect the integrity of the organization,” without elaborating. 

Who is replacing Tracy Kasper as NAR president?

Kasper will be immediately replaced by president-elect Kevin Sears, a realtor from Springfield, Mass. and a broker and partner of…