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Tom Hurdelbrink, president and CEO at Northwest Multiple Listing Service, plans to retire at year end.
Justin Haag, NWMLS general counsel, will succeed Hurdelbrink, effective January 1, 2024. His appointment followed a succession planning process led by the board of directors.
Since joining Northwest MLS in 2008, Hurdelbrink has led the organization on several milestones, earning a reputation as a visionary, collaborative leader and one of the most respected MLS CEOs in the country.
In an announcement about his retirement plans, Hurdelbrink said being president and CEO of Northwest MLS “is the highlight of my professional career,” adding, “It has been my honor to work with outstanding staff, board members, and member firms to elevate the profession and ultimately better serve consumers.”
The retiring CEO also expressed appreciation to the volunteer leadership, directors and committees for their level of commitment to make NWMLS great. “I am also the beneficiary of some great fellow staff members,” he noted, singling out his predecessor, Jack Johnson, and COO Monica Beck for being “integral in my success here.”
Among numerous achievements during his tenure, NWMLS:
- Increased NWMLS service area to 28 counties
- Added three MLSs via mergers
- Converted to a new MLS search system
- Upgraded the public records data system
- Developed an electronic real estate forms and transactions program
- Launched two mobile app programs
- Launched a listing appointment program
- Streamlined data management for member firms and their data vendors/suppliers
Reflecting on the enhanced product and service offerings, Hurdelbrink said, “We have seen a lot of industry changes in the past 15 years, and the organization has come through it all stronger and even more committed to be a leading resource for our members.”
In a Q&A session published by NWMLS, Hurdelbrink attributed some of the NWMLS success and evolution during his tenure to its brokerage firm ownership model and its not-for-profit corporate structure. “NWMLS has a long-standing reputation for being forward thinking, technically savvy, inclusive, and focused on superior customer service.”
“Tom’s leadership and accomplishments have significantly impacted the daily lives of every NWMLS member in how we perform our business,” said Jeff Pust, NWMLS board chairperson and owner/principal broker with Van Dorm Realty, Inc. “Tom’s successes in implementing systems and data changes have allowed us as brokers to raise the bar in professionalism and service to our clients. As brokers, we have the tools to provide incredible advice to buyers and sellers and to provide services to them faster and more efficiently than ever before.”
Asked about his post-retirement plans, Hurdelbrink listed several items, starting with a cocktail with his wife and restringing his guitar. Other plans include investing more time in the gym, hiking, maybe trying golf again, contributing to a couple of service organizations, and reading novels. Also, he is looking at opportunities for executive consulting, saying, “That would be fun and rewarding.”