iStock illustration
Kenny Parcell, a Utah real estate agent and 2023 president of the National Association of Realtors, has resigned his post after 19 NAR staffers and members accused him of sexual harassment in an investigation published Saturday.
A NAR spokesperson confirmed Parcell’s departure and said the association’s president-elect, Idaho Realtor Tracy Kasper was “immediately” assuming the presidency.
The New York Times’ investigation included claims from one woman said Parcell put his hands down his pants in front of her and another who said she had a consensual relationship with Parcell, but claimed he retaliated against her in the workplace after the relationship ended. Parcell denies the allegations.
The paper’s reporter also spoke to 10 others who said they were subject to a “sexist, belittling culture” at NAR, and quoted a former senior staffer describing a “culture of fear” at the trade group around reporting sexual harassment.
Parcell’s resignation was first reported by Inman Monday night and followed a rapidly building pressure campaign by Realtors to have him removed, with industry figures like Anywhere Brands CEO Sue Yannaccone saying they were “disturbed” and “disappointed” about the allegations. Yannaccone called for NAR to “urgently” update its policies and practices on sexual harassment and discrimination.
In an memo Kasper sent to NAR members Monday, which an association spokesperson shared with Banker & Tradesman, she said she was “incredibly sorry for what’s led us here.”
“We recognize there is lots of concern, anger and disappointment, and we want to acknowledge the people who have come forward and shared their stories and those of you who have shared your perspective over the past few days,” she said. “We have taken everything we have heard to heart. Our commitment to our staff and our members is unwavering, and we will continue to enhance the way we foster a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace. We will work to ensure the relationship between staff and members acknowledges not only staff expertise and their commitment to the association in addition to the members.”
