New NVAR CEO Ryan T. Conrad To Lead By Example, Knowing Members Always Come First
Ryan T. Conrad, The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors®’ new chief executive officer has proven he can take on new heights, both figuratively and literally. He plans to lead his NVAR team arm in arm, remaining accessible, yet being decisive.
Selected from a pool of 100 applicants considered to replace the now-retired CEO Christine Todd, Conrad can claim other successes last year, too. Finishing nearly all 21 obstacles in the Spartan Super Sprint Weekend Race at the Blue Mountain Ski Area was “the most physically and mentally challenging that I have been involved with,” he said.
“I am competitive,” he explained. “I wanted to prove to myself that I can do [the sprint] in decent time.” Training for 60 days beforehand was his only regret, as he would have preferred more time.
Formerly the CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors® in Bethlehem, Penn. and its government affairs director from 2005 - 2011, Conrad was named one of the 2013 “40 Under 40” regional business leaders by Lehigh Valley Business. He was elected twice as a member of the Lower Macungie Township Board of Commissioners from 2009 – 2015, serving as its president in 2015. His first day at NVAR was the 2015 Convention & Trade Show.
COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP IS HIS STYLE
Since the real estate industry evolves and technologies come and go, the best leader is someone who can embrace changing with the times. Conrad stands ready to help NVAR members and staff do that, with his dynamic and collaborative leadership style.
He plans to “show genuine support and keep people inspired,” he said. “We need to have a vision for what success looks like and feels like as we really focus on our new strategic plan.”
“NOTHING IN LIFE COMES EASY"
Taught at a young age by his grandfather through his Irish-Catholic upbringing that “nothing in life comes easy,” Conrad has a tireless work ethic. “My mother was a hard-working Lieutenant in the New York City Police Department, and we lived in Westchester County. My grandparents moved in with us when I was young. They helped my mother raise us until I was nearly done with high school. My grandfather had a significant influence on me growing up. He taught me the value of working hard and taking responsibility for your actions. You have to work for it and earn it.” A former Marine, his grandfather worked on subway cars for the Metropolitan Transit Authority in New York City until retirement. “I’m the man I am today because of him.,” Conrad said.
THE HONEYMOON IS ON!
“It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the NVAR family and lead one of the largest and most influential associations in the country. I am happy to be here,” Conrad said. “The transition was seamless.
Chris was great, and she helped me. Both the staff and Board has been incredible. For them to see the value of bringing me on is exciting.
The board made a statement that they want to invest in the future of the industry. They see the value in welcoming different ideas and helping the organization adapt to the changes that are happening.”
Conrad quickly settled into the area, relocating to Herndon with his wife three young children. “My family has been incredibly supportive. We are enjoying all that Northern Virginia has to offer.”