M
erri Jo Cowen, CEO of Florida's Stellar MLS, will step down in 2026 to focus on promoting global MLS practices. She'll be succeeded by COO Shayne Fairley, who has been with the organization since 2005 and has served as COO since 2017. Cowen will retain an advisory role at Stellar while leading its subsidiary, Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), which aims to advance MLS practices worldwide.

    UCO has formed strategic partnerships in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia over the past year, with a goal of fostering collaboration and trust in the global real estate industry. Cowen expressed her confidence in Fairley's leadership, saying he knows Stellar inside out and will take the organization to new heights.

    As CEO, Cowen has been instrumental in promoting the value of MLS services, particularly in light of recent commissions lawsuits that highlighted consumers' lack of understanding about multiple listing services. She plans to continue advocating for global MLS practices through her work with UCO.

    Fairley's appointment marks a significant milestone for Stellar MLS, which serves over 84,000 customers in Florida and Puerto Rico. Cowen's departure will be felt throughout the industry, but she remains committed to supporting Fairley as he takes on his new role.