Bluegrass Realtors® is pleased to announce Richard Gibbens as the new CEO for the Association and Imagine MLS in Lexington, Kentucky.
Gibbens previously served as the Executive Director for Southwest MLS (SWMLS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors® (GAAR) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he launched many industry first initiatives and implemented innovation into his organization. He was chosen after a nationwide search and will join Bluegrass Realtors® in late July.
“We are glad to have Richard join us in Kentucky,” said Randy Newsome, president of Bluegrass Realtors®. “The momentum we have built at Bluegrass Realtors® to be on the national stage should continue with Richard as he has built that same platform with his previous organization. I would also like to thank Todd Hyatt for leading the search committee to find the right candidate to lead our Association.”
Throughout his tenure with GAAR, Gibbens helped bring industry awareness to his Association for its willingness to embrace new technology, employing pilot programs and beta testing for many strategic priorities. Prior to his work at GAAR, Gibbens led the Central Panhandle Association of Realtors® as the MLS Director where he fully transformed the organization through a rebrand and policy overhaul to better serve the membership. He has also led a team of customer service professionals for Sprint/Teleperformance USA where he was recognized for his proactivity in evaluating and improving company processes and policies.
“I am honored to join the incredible team at Bluegrass Realtors® and am committed to driving innovation and providing unparalleled value to our membership,” said Gibbens. “Together, we will embrace forward-thinking strategies that address our members' needs and enhance their success in the industry."
Gibbens graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and earned his MBA from Troy University in Alabama. He holds the CMLX3, RED-B, AHWD, and C2EX designations through the Realtor® organization.
As the region’s leading advocate for homeownership, Bluegrass Realtors® understands the value and joy of owning a home. The Association represents more than 4,000 Realtors® located in 38 counties: Anderson, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyle, Casey, Clark, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Henry, Jackson, Jessamine, Knox, Laurel, Lee, Lincoln, Madison, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Nicholas, Owsley, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Scott, Shelby, Wayne, Whitley and Woodford counties. Visit www.bluegrassrealtors.com for up-to-the-minute real estate listings and buying and selling resources.