Montgomery, Ala. - June 9, 2016 - The Alabama Association of REALTORS® named Jeremy Walker Chief Executive Officer on Thursday, promoting him from his role as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Government Affairs Director. Walker, 35, will oversee all aspects of the 13,000-member real estate trade organization in Montgomery.

“We’re very excited to tap into the leadership, vision, accomplishments and passion that Jeremy brings to our association as CEO,” said Shawn Reeves, Alabama REALTORS® President and a broker-associate in Enterprise. “In Jeremy we have found a winning combination of deep knowledge of the issues facing REALTORS® and those they serve and the drive to make Alabama REALTORS® a national leader in protecting and promoting private property rights.”

Since joining the Association in 2013, Walker has successfully led the REALTORS®’ Government, Legal and Political Affairs programs the last three legislative sessions. During this time, he forged relationships and strategic partnerships in the business and housing industries that have helped defend the real estate industry from harmful legislation and worked to pass meaningful legislation to promote pro-homeownership policies and protect private property rights.  As staff liaison to the Alabama REALTORS® Political Action Committee (ARPAC) during the 2014 election cycle, ARPAC experienced some of its greatest success helping elect candidates that support private property rights, homeownership and pro-business issues for the Alabama Legislature and other offices, winning more than ninety-six percent (96%) of the contests in which it was engaged. During this time, the Association’s political advocacy programs have increased their strength through partnerships with the National Association and REALTOR® Party initiatives in state, local and federal races and state issues mobilization programs. These issues speak to the core of the Association’s Mission Statement.

Alabama REALTORS® Past President Jimmie Ann Campbell, broker owner of Keller Williams in Montgomery, who chaired the Alabama REALTORS® Search Committee, said finding someone with government affairs experience was significant.

“Alabama’s legislative and regulatory environment is complex, so finding someone who is adept at working with many groups to protect and promote the real estate industry is excellent,” Campbell said. “Jeremy Walker has shown he is a leader who thinks strategically and can find a way to make sure that our members’ voices are clearly heard. We are excited to have someone with his level of talent on our team.”

Jeremy served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the last six months in addition to his role of leading the Government and Legal Affairs Programs of the Association. 

“His direct experience with our Association, from the leadership team to our members throughout our state, will be a tremendous benefit to the Association as we continue to create and deliver the best member services and benefits statewide,” continued Campbell. 

Prior to joining Alabama REALTORS®, Walker practiced with Haskell Slaughter, LLC where his practice was devoted to civil litigation matters, white-collar criminal defense, state and local government matters, insurance defense and governmental affairs. In addition to his role at the Association, Walker is a member of the Alabama State Bar Association Character and Fitness Committee and Councilor on the Real Property, Probate & Trust Section of the Alabama Bar Association. 

He received his B.S. in Finance from the University of Alabama in 2003 and his J.D. from Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2007. Prior to law school, Walker was involved in football at the University of Alabama, both as a player and as a student assistant coach. Walker resides in the Cloverdale neighborhood of Montgomery where he is active in civic and community affairs and a member of First United Methodist Church.

“I am thrilled to be able to lead this Association forward during a time of change and transition in the real estate industry,” Walker said. “The Association has a reputation for delivering industry-leading advocacy, political action and professional development programs. I look forward to the challenge of representing the industry and finding new ways to engage consumers and members alike.”

The Alabama Association of Realtors® (AAR) is the largest statewide organization of real estate professionals comprised of over 13,000 members. United by adherence to a Code of Ethics, our members work as real estate professionals in the sale, lease, appraisal, management and development of residential, commercial, rural and resort properties throughout Alabama.

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