N
ational Association of Realtors (NAR) announced on September 30 that Amanda Whitehead will serve as vice president of event strategy and member engagement. Whitehead, formerly head of events and business development at Etihad Airways, managed over 350 high‑profile events with partners such as Formula 1, PGA and the Special Olympics. “As we chart a new path and continue to add value for Realtors, we are transforming our events business into a larger, more inclusive platform for industry leaders to convene and shape the future of real estate,” said CEO Nykia Wright. SVP of education & events Elizabeth Ranno, who joined NAR in May, added that Whitehead’s experience will help create experiences that welcome and empower Realtors to grow their businesses. Ranno is among several executives hired this year as part of Wright’s “re‑engineering” of the leadership team.

    In other industry news, Freddie Mac named Matthew Abrusci as executive vice‑president, general counsel and corporate secretary. With more than 30 years in financial services, Abrusci previously served as general counsel for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group. “Abrusci brings deep legal expertise and will quickly become a valued member of Freddie Mac’s executive team,” said President and interim CEO Mike Hutchins. His appointment comes as the Trump administration considers taking Freddie Mac and its sister GSE, Fannie Mae, public in a potential IPO that could be one of the largest in U.S. history.

    The real‑estate sector, home to millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerages, sees new leaders rise daily. This update highlights executives who have recently assumed or departed roles that influence the residential market.