Sherry Chris Named Special Adviser To Nar Ceo Nykia Wright

Sherry Chris may have retired from her role as president and CEO of Anywhere Expansion Brands — including the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) and ERA Real Estate brands — but that doesn’t mean she hasn’t been keeping busy. On Monday, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) announced Chris’ appointment as an independent consultant and special adviser to CEO Nykia Wright.

According to the announcement, Chris will be tasked with providing “strategic counsel on strengthening relationships, building trust and enhancing collaboration with brokerage leaders.” She will work closely with Wright to engage with brokerage leaders and better understand their needs, concerns and perspectives on the future of the real estate industry. NAR said this outreach will focus on creating an open dialogue with brokerage leaders and finding more opportunities to better support NAR members.

“Sherry brings unmatched expertise and a unique, well-informed perspective on the real estate brokerage landscape, which will be critical as we enhance NAR’s collaboration with industry partners and drive stronger alignment across the sector,” Wright said in a statement. “Her ability to build meaningful connections and offer forward-thinking perspectives will help guide NAR’s approach to meeting the complex and varied needs of the real estate community.”

Chris spent 18 years at Anywhere Real Estate, most recently serving as an executive adviser. Prior to that, she was the CEO of BHGRE and ERA, and has also served as chief operating officer for Coldwell Banker Real Estate. During her time leading both ERA and BHGRE, she saw each brand expand to at least 40 states, while ERA also entered markets in 34 countries.

“Having known Sherry for nearly a decade, I know firsthand that she is well equipped to provide the kind of leadership and insight that comes from years of experience, rising the ranks from a practitioner to a branch and regional manager and finally as a leader at the helm of several major brokerages and brands — a unique perspective that speaks to the diverse needs of our members,” NAR President Kevin Sears said in a statement. “Her extensive leadership experience with brokerages both large and small provides her with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities across the industry.”

Chris has also previously served as the board chair of NAR’s Real Estate Services Advisory Group and The Realty Alliance. In addition, she is a founding corporate member of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and is a member of the Asian Real Estate Association of America.

“I am honored to work alongside Nykia and the leadership team at NAR during such an important time for our industry,” Chris said in a statement. “My goal is to better understand the concerns and priorities of brokerage leaders across the country and help create solutions that drive trust, value and collaboration for the very many important stakeholders in real estate.”

At NAR’s annual NXT conference in November 2024, Wright told attendees that the trade group is focused on rebuilding the association and that it is looking to redefine its “relationships with brokerages — large and small, public and private.”