Bluegrass Realtors® is pleased to announce Brendan Bailey as the new CEO for the Association and Imagine MLS based in Lexington, Kentucky.
Bailey brings over a decade of experience to his role as CEO of BGR and Imagine MLS. After graduating from the University of Mary Washington, Brendan's path led him through Washington, D.C., and North Carolina in various advocacy roles. His journey included a pivotal role as a Legislative Assistant to a North Carolina House Representative, where he honed his skills in navigating the complex world of policy and representation.
“Brendan brings a combination of leadership experience, industry knowledge, and a genuine commitment to the Realtor® mission,” said Mike Inman, president of Bluegrass Realtors®. “His vision and leadership style align extremely well with the direction of our Association and the needs of our members. We look forward to the fresh perspective and new ideas he will bring as we continue building on the strength of our organizations.”
He previously spent five years at the helm of the Realtor® Association of Pioneer Valley (RAPV) in Springfield, MA, and has served for the last three years as CEO of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors® (DMAR) in Denver, CO. At each stop in his career his visionary leadership has ushered in national recognition through his unwavering dedication to Association advocacy and community engagement. Notably, Brendan played an instrumental role in Kevin Sears' campaign, NAR's First Vice President of 2023, showcasing his ability to inspire and lead even at the highest ranks. Before his tenure at RAPV, he served as the chief operating officer of the Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors® (RRAR) in Cary, NC. During his five-year tenure there, he transformed RRAR into a symbol of excellence.
His impact isn't limited to the local scene; Brendan's prowess earned him a seat as the 2024 Chair of NAR's Association Executives (AE) Institute Advisory Board. He's also a Golden R President's Circle Hall of Fame RPAC Investor, a distinction that underscores his commitment to driving positive change in the industry. Furthermore, Brendan’s dedication and leadership earned him the prestigious 2019 NAR AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professional Award and induction into the Dr. Almon R "Bud" Smith, RCE, AE Leadership Society in 2024.
“This is an Association with a strong history, an engaged membership and tremendous potential for the future,” said Bailey. “I look forward to listening, learning and working alongside our volunteer leaders and staff to build on that foundation, strengthen the value we provide to our members and continue making a positive impact to communities across the region. I am incredibly honored to be joining Bluegrass Realtors® and Imagine MLS.”
Hailing from Durham, NC, he married his college sweetheart, MK. Together they enjoy outdoor activities, golf, cooking, finding new restaurants and spending time with their daughter Charlotte as well as their yellow lab, Stella, their cat, Neko.
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.