As I sit down to reflect on this past year, I’m struck by the same question I asked at our recent Celebration of Leadership event: How are we already here? The months have flown by, not because they were rushed, but because they were filled with growth, momentum, and some of the most transformative moments in ABoR and Unlock MLS history. Serving as your 2025 President has truly been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I couldn’t be more grateful or more proud of all that we’ve accomplished together.
A Year of Bold Action and Industry Leadership
We began 2025 with an extraordinary milestone: becoming the first MLS in the nation to launch a new Matrix experience powered by Listing Manager, CMA Manager, and the OneHome Client Portal. That launch set the tone for a year of innovation, growth, and intentional leadership. Throughout the year, we continued strengthening our partnerships with Cotality—most recently with the release of AdBuilder™, which gives Unlock MLS subscribers new, modern tools for marketing their listings online. And when the private listings debate intensified this summer, Unlock MLS showed innovative leadership. Instead of choosing extremes, we chose flexibility and choice. Our Flex Listings solution proved that we could protect the value of the MLS while honoring the unique needs of sellers and staying fully compliant. It was a moment when our organization’s voice brought clarity, reason, and stability to an industry-wide conversation.
Delivering More Value Than Ever
2025 also brought powerful new benefits and resources to ABoR members and Unlock MLS subscribers including:
Key Reciprocity with Highland Lakes;
Expanded UnlockStats data with Houston and San Antonio market data;
Complimentary Real Estate News access;
Global listing reach through Omni MLS; and
For ABoR members, an exciting new benefit with Upfront Health Solutions.
Advocacy That Made a Difference
What I’m most proud of, though, is the collective strength of our ABoR community—and nowhere is that more visible than in the work of ABoR Advocacy. This year, our advocacy efforts paved the way for more missing-middle housing by streamlining Austin’s review process for small developments. We also empowered members and Austinites to make an informed decision on Prop Q and supported the successful adoption of Austin’s new short-term rental regulations –closing the chapter on a debate that spanned an entire decade. Our Central Texas Housing Summit brought together policymakers and industry leaders for a powerful conversation on the health of our economy and marketplace, while our ABoR communities –including Foundation, Global, Strategic Partners, and YPN –continued to thrive.
These achievements weren’t accidental. They were the result of clear vision, bold action, and the dedication of our incredible volunteers, staff, and members.
A Heartfelt Thank You
As my presidential term comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our Unlock MLS and ABoR staff. Your behind-the-scenes commitment, creativity, and professionalism make everything we do possible.
And to my fellow Board members: thank you for your support, your collaboration, your humor, and your partnership. Leadership is never about one person. It’s about the collective strength of a team moving with purpose.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
I'm excited to see what will happen in 2026 and I look forward to continuing my work on the Unlock MLS & ABoR board as Immediate Past President. As we round the corner to 2026, (which will also be ABoR’s 100th year!) I can’t wait to see what we will achieve together in this milestone moment.
Thank you for trusting me to serve you, to represent you, and to lead you this year.
It’s been a privilege to be your President, and to work on behalf of our amazing and dedicated members.
Here’s to the next exciting chapter!