Press Releases
May 09, 2013
MASK NAMED AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER FOR
THE ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
MONTGOMERY, AL- May 9, 2013 – Charles Barrett “Barry” Mask, State Representative and Executive Director of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority was named today as the CEO for the 11,047 member Alabama Association of REALTORS by 2013 President Richard VanValkenburgh.
In naming Mask, VanValkenburgh said “After an exhaustive nation-wide search for a new CEO, we believe that we have chosen the very best individual for the extremely important job of helping to lead our Association into the future. We are excited and pleased that Barry Mask has agreed to become the new CEO for the Alabama Association of REALTORS®. Barry’s qualifications are a perfect match to AAR’s needs. When all was said and done, Barry is perfect for this position.”
In accepting the position, Mask said “I’m excited to be coming home to a place with so much opportunity. I have often told others that the best place I ever worked was the Alabama Association of Realtors. So I’m thrilled to be working for AAR again. I believe in our cause and have deep respect and admiration for this profession. I look forward to working with our members, staff and local boards to deliver relevant services and value by remaining focused on our mission and our business plan. I believe strongly in the T.E.A.M. concept – Together Everyone Accomplishes More!”
Mask worked for AAR from 1990-1995 as the Governmental Affairs Director. In 1993 AAR was recognized by American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) as the best grassroots political advocacy organization on a ststewide level in the nation. In 1994 he was elected NAR (National Association of Realtors) Governmental Affairs Chairman by his peers throughout the country. In 1996 he earned his Certified Association Executive pin (CAE) as designated by the ASAE.
Growing up in Montgomery, Mask was active in numerous YMCA programs such as Blue Ridge Assembly, Youth City Council, and YMCA Youth Legislature and was the Student Relations Council President at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery. Mask credits these programs for developing his keen appreciation in state government and civic affairs.
At Auburn University, Mask continued his leadership development in SGA, and as President of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau, and as president of the Interfraternity Council (IFC). He was a co-founder of the Shug Jordan/Dean Katherine Cater Lukemia Fund. However, Mask is most noted for being selected as Auburn University's first official "Aubie the Tiger" mascot in 1979, and was named Best Mascot at the 1979 UCA Camp Competition. Barry received his B.S. in Public Administration.
After college, Barry Mask began a career in governmental affairs working for the Alabama State Employees Association, the Alabama Association of Realtors, the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Industry & Manufacturers Association. In 1999, he began a new career in the private sector working for an architectural & engineering firm. He was the project manager for Montgomery's much lauded riverfront master plan in 2000-2001. As Director of the Elmore County EDA he just completed a similar plan for Wetumpka’s downtown and riverfront.
In Elmore County, Mask was a member of the first class of Leadership Elmore County, and a co-founder and Vice-Chairman of the Elmore County Economic Development Authority. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Central Elmore Water & Sewer Authority. Mask was the co-founder and Chairman of the Joe Sewell Award, established in 2005 to recognize Elmore County's outstanding high school student Christian athletes. He is the past president of the Elmore County Auburn Club, and a life member of the Auburn Alumni Association. He is an elected member of the National Council of the Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Elmore County Community Foundation. He is a member of the Lion's Club of Wetumpka, and the Redland Community Association.
In 2006, Mask was elected in a special election to his first term in the Alabama House of Representatives for House District 31 (Coosa and Elmore Counties). He serves as Chair of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee; Chairman of the Legislative Building Authority , Vice Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee and serves on the Ways and Means Education Committee.
Mask and his wife Jill moved to the Redland community outside of Wetumpka shortly after their marriage. Mask enjoys quail hunting and dove shoots, bass & crappie fishing on Lake Martin and Lake Jordan and Auburn football. He is a regular speaker to young people about making good choices in their lives.