In real estate, being a “futurist” means always looking ahead to move the industry forward. Being an “influencer” means inspiring others through new perspectives and guidance. Whether it’s advocating for better standards and practices to build a better industry or sharing expert knowledge with the masses, those in our industry who exhibit these qualities should be celebrated.
For the eighth consecutive year, we’re searching across the U.S. for headline-makers who are making headlines through their commitment and contributions to the residential and/or commercial real estate sector and who go the extra mile to make a positive impact on their colleagues, peers, clients and the communities they serve.
Nominate a newsmaker
RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmakers fall into one of six amazing categories: Achievers, Crusaders, Futurists, Influencers, Luminaries and Trailblazers. Take a look at some of our Futurists And Influencer from the Real Estate Newsmakers of 2024 below!
Futurists
The forward thinkers
Rob Barber
Managing Director |
When it comes to digital data in real estate, the future is now. As CEO of ATTOM – one of the most recognized names in real estate data – Rob Barber is tasked with protecting the company’s reputation and its goals of transparency for professionals and consumers. How does this strategic vision come to fruition? Through innovation and maintenance of proven solutions. In 2023, he oversaw the launch of new ATTOM products such as Property Navigator and Neighborhood Navigator, which enable subscribers to offer buyers the best and most relevant data on properties and neighborhoods.
Mark Choey
Founder & CEO | Highnote
Choey has a diverse resume at many companies in the industry—not to mention blogging and travel platforms—but Highnote is his creation, and that makes his vision more important than ever. In 2023, Choey oversaw the integration of AI into the company’s systems, a sure sign that he is embracing the future so his company continues to satisfy its user base. As a result of his ongoing efforts, Highnote was recognized by the National Association of REALTORS® and named one of 14 finalists for the Reach Scale-Up program in April 2023.
Dionna Hall
CEO | BeachesMLS/Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTORS®
Dionna Hall’s biggest accomplishments in 2023 have been broker partnerships, from a partnership with REdistribute to put MLS data back in the hands of brokers to a data sharing agreement between BeachesMLS, Bright MLS and California Regional MLS. As CEO, she spearheaded a consumer ad campaign called “Only a REALTOR®” designed to educate consumers about the importance of being REALTORS® in a year that turned the profession on its head. Her activism continues in 2024, as she was elected chair of the Council of Multiple Listing Services.
Influencer
The thought leaders
Todd Sumney
Industry leader | HomeSmart
Todd Sumney is a passionate leader who embraces a growth mindset and uses his creativity and expertise to inspire real estate agents to leverage the market to their advantage and grow their business. In 2023, as Chief Industry Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, Sumney led and executed the successful merger and rebranding of PalmerHouse Properties’ brokerages with Solid Source Real Estate Companies’ brokerages into a single HomeSmart brand, making HomeSmart the largest single brokerage in Atlanta in the first quarter of 2023. In addition to strong growth in 2023, Sumney also focused on training, supporting and educating his agents, launching the new “Elevate” training series designed to elevate each agent’s business through marketing tactics, operational excellence, skill development and sales training. He also relaunched the HomeSmart Real Estate Podcast, producing more than 30 new episodes in the second and third quarters.
Tanya Reu-Narvaez
HR manager | Anywhere Real Estate Inc.
As Chief People Officer, Tanya Reu-Narvaez relentlessly focuses on talent, company culture and the employee experience. In 2023, she built on the recently developed company goal of Winning Behaviors by launching the CPO Conversation series, where she leads informal, open conversations with employees to leverage each other’s knowledge, skills and experiences. Additionally, Reu-Narvaez and her team launched Winning Moments, a new spotlight program designed for employees to quickly and easily give praise to colleagues for doing great work and embodying the Anywhere Way. She continues to lead and maintain many of the relationships she has built with professional, DEI-focused industry organizations, allowing Anywhere to focus on driving real, sustainable change within the real estate industry as a whole.
Sherri Johnson
Founder and CEO | Sherri Johnson Coaching
In 2023, Sherri Johnson, founder and CEO of Sherri Johnson Coaching, launched the Sherri Johnson Real Estate Broker Leadership Executive Series Program™ with certification. The intensive course is designed to help brokers, managers and executives improve agent recruitment, retention and development and increase their profits. In addition, Johnson’s “You Rock! A Real Estate Podcast” was recognized as one of the leading business offerings on the Apple podcast platform. The monthly subscription to the Sherri Johnson PlayBook™ gave brokers and managers online access to the Sherri Johnson Academy as well as live group coaching every month.
Nominate a newsmaker
Thank you to our Real Estate Newsmakers sponsors:
Gold Sponsor of Newsmakers
Real Estate Webmaster
Newsmakers Bronze Sponsors
American Home Shield
CoreLogic
FBS
Forbes Global Properties
HouseAmp
Real Estate Resources for Real Estate Agents
Do you or someone you know have what it takes to be a real estate newsmaker in 2025? If the answer is yes, click Here to nominate a real estate professional today! To view the full list of 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers, click Here.
