OBAR® Announces New CEO Willo Kelly

The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® (OBAR) recently announced the hiring of a new Chief Executive Officer. The process of hiring for the position was a team effort consisting of current and past leadership, from both the local and NC REALTORS® Association level. An extensive search led to a total of 67 applications submitted.

“Of those applicants, three qualified candidates went through two-rounds of rigorous interviews with a specialized Search Committee,” stated 2018 OBAR President Lori Brooks. “One stood out above the rest with their skill set, work ethic and dedication on top of their expertise. Please join me in welcoming Willo Kelly as the new CEO of the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS®.”

Prior to stepping into the position, Kelly served for more than 12 years as the Government Affairs Director for both the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® and the Outer Banks Home Builders Association. She was the first hired executive of the Currituck Chamber of Commerce in 1999 and led the organization through tremendous growth in her seven years as President. She has served on numerous committees and task forces as a member or officer including the Outer Banks Transportation Task Force, Outer Banks Hydrology Committee, Coastal Studies Institute Foundation, and NC 20. Kelly is well-known, not just in the Outer Banks region, but also on the state and national level as an influential and tireless advocate for fair and accessible property insurance and flood insurance rates, private property rights and affordable housing.

“I am very excited to continue working with my REALTOR® colleagues and taking the lead of such a strong, dynamic organization. I look forward to taking OBAR to the next level, particularly in our advocacy and public outreach efforts and in promoting the tremendous value of working with a REALTOR®,” Kelly stated. “I’ve often said that if real estate is your profession, then politics is your business! Member engagement and involvement is a top priority.”

In the near term, she is continuing to oversee OBAR’s government affairs program. Kelly has hit the ground running in her new role, having already attended and represented OBAR at several REALTOR® conferences including the National Association of REALTORS® Association Executives Institute and legislative meetings in Washington, DC and Raleigh, NC.

President Lori Brooks added, “Since Willo was hired, the Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® has raised the bar on what our members can expect from their Association. We have been working to ensure a positive transition for our members, staff and leadership and are thrilled to have her as our new CEO.”

The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS® has been the “Voice of Real Estate®” in the Outer Banks since 1986, representing over 1,000 members from all real estate specialties including commercial sales, development, property management, appraisal and residential sales.