As you’re aware, our current Association Executive, Jessica Hickok, recently announced her move to the Oklahoma Association of REALTORS®. For five years, I’ve worked with Jessica Hickok at the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®, first on our own MLS, then a regional MLS, then on our own Board of Directors. It has been an incredible time, and she has been an incredible guiding influence throughout it all.

From our very first meeting way back, I have called her Bubbles because of the way she just bounced in with unparalleled energy and enthusiasm. I, and our entire Association, will miss her greatly.

Beginning last week, the Board Executive Committee started work on the AE transition, focusing first on the interim time frame, but also appointing a Selection Committee for the long-term, permanent AE process, which will include the members of the 2016 Executive Committee in addition to the two oncoming Executive Committee members for 2017, which should serve to mitigate both the AE transition and the timely transition between the Boards of two different years.

Further, as a result of the meetings we have held since last week, the Executive Committee felt as though our Board has been provided with a wonderful opportunity. Since his recent quasi-retirement after many years of work in real estate and the winding down of his current year as President of Missouri REALTORS®, Miles Noennig was available for this very important interim position. The Board of Directors has approved, and Miles has agreed, to his service as our Interim AE. Personally, I’m very excited about having someone with the vast experience Miles brings, both in terms of the real estate business and Association perspective.

Respectfully,

Jeff Kester