The Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) has promoted Associate General Counsel Michael McDonagh to general counsel and government affairs director.

McDonagh has been at MAR for 11 years. His predecessor in the post, Stephen Ryan, left the organization to take on a role as executive director of the New England Convenience Store Association, according to a statement.

"Michael McDonagh not only has a tremendous understanding of both the government affairs and legal issues facing the association and the industry, but has also developed a great relationship with the membership over the years," MAR CEO Robert Authier said in a statement.

McDonagh will oversee MAR’s legal affairs and risk management programs for the membership, as well as direct MAR’s legislative efforts, including providing expert testimony and analysis on legislative and regulatory issues on behalf of the association. 

McDonagh is a graduate of Providence College and the New England School of Law. He lives in Easton with his wife and two children.