MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association (WRA) announced that Michael Theo has been appointed its new President and CEO, effective October 18, 2011. Theo will replace longtime President Bill Malkasian, who has accepted a vice president position with the National Association of REALTORS®.
“The real estate industry is in the midst of significant challenges and changes, and I can’t think of anyone better than Mike to lead this organization and industry at this critical time,” said Malkasian. “Mike Theo has proven to be an innovative leader in association management and public policy for many years and will use that experience to take the organization to a new level.”
Theo, a native of Madison, has worked for the WRA for 27 years. He began in 1985 as the Director of Governmental and Political Affairs and rose to Senior Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs. In that capacity, Theo has managed the association’s legal, legislative, political, research and public relations operations.
“The challenges facing our industry here in Wisconsin and nationally are historic, but I share our members’ optimism about the future,” Theo said. “Our priority will remain on making the dream of homeownership a reality for all Wisconsin families and helping grow our economy and jobs. We will concentrate on enhancing our professionalism and services, capitalizing on our legislative opportunities and maximizing our political effectiveness.”
Theo is a lifelong resident of Madison and has served in leadership roles for the National Association of REALTORS®, the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives, the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists, the Wisconsin Higher Education Business Roundtable and the Madison School District Strategic Planning Committee. He attended the UW-Madison and holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. He resides in Madison with his wife of 30 years, Sheryl, and has two adult children.
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association is one of the largest trade associations in the state, representing over 14,500 real estate brokers, sales people and affiliates statewide. All county figures on sales volume and median prices are compiled by the Wisconsin REALTORS® Association and are not seasonally adjusted. Median prices are only computed if the county recorded at least 10 home sales in the month. All data collected by Wisconsin REALTORS® Association are subject to revision if more complete data become available. Beginning in 2010, all historical sales volume and median price data at the county level have been re-benchmarked using the Techmark system which accesses MLS data directly and in real time. The Wisconsin Housing Affordability Index is updated monthly with the most recent data on median housing prices, mortgage rates, and estimated median family income data for Wisconsin.
