JACKSONVILLE, Fla., November 3 – William “Glenn” East, chief executive officer of the Northeast Florida Association of REALTORS® (NEFAR), has announced plans to retire during the first quarter of 2027, concluding more than three decades of leadership and service to the association and the real estate profession.
East’s involvement with NEFAR dates back to July 1993, when he stepped into the role of CEO of the Jacksonville Association of REALTORS®. During his tenure, he played an instrumental role in the planning and formation of NEFAR, which officially launched Jan. 1, 1996, following the merger of four local REALTOR® associations.
The organization continued to expand in 1999 when the Putnam County Association of REALTORS® joined NEFAR. Under East’s leadership, the association has grown from serving a few thousand members to representing more than 11,000 real estate professionals across five Northeast Florida counties.
Throughout his tenure, East helped guide the association through significant milestones, including the mergers that established and expanded NEFAR, the development of its headquarters and regional offices, and the continued growth of its education, advocacy, member services and community involvement initiatives.
“After nearly 34 years with this organization, NEFAR has become so much more than a place of employment. It has been a significant part of my life, my professional home, and a place where I have had the privilege of building lifelong friendships and relationships,” East shared in a message to members. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, grateful for the people who have been part of the journey, and confident in the future of NEFAR.”
The NEFAR Board of Directors expressed its gratitude for East’s contributions, recognizing his more than 33 years of executive leadership and more than five decades of commitment to the real estate profession.
“Glenn’s legacy is perhaps best reflected in the culture he helped create: one built on relationships, trust, service and a genuine commitment to our members,” the Board shared in its message to members. “His steady leadership, institutional knowledge and dedication to the REALTOR® profession have left an enduring mark on this association.”
As part of the transition, NEFAR has engaged a professional executive search team to conduct a national search for its next CEO. The Board is committed to identifying a leader who will build upon the association’s strong foundation while bringing the experience, vision and expertise needed to guide its future. East will continue working alongside NEFAR leadership, staff and volunteer leaders to support a thoughtful and smooth transition ahead of his retirement.
The announcement comes during a milestone year for the association as NEFAR celebrates its 30th anniversary. Members, past and present volunteer leaders, and staff will have an opportunity to recognize NEFAR’s anniversary and thank Glenn for his leadership during its annual holiday party, Legacy In The Snow, on Dec. 2.
About NEFAR
The Northeast Florida Association of Realtors (NEFAR,) serves as the voice of real estate in Northeast Florida. As the region’s largest professional association, it represents more than 12,000 members who work in all facets of the real estate industry including residential and commercial sales and property management. It serves the public through support of community affairs programs and seeks to protect private property rights. The Northeast Florida Multiple Listing Service (DBA realMLS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of NEFAR. NEFAR is headquartered in Jacksonville, with satellite Service Centers in Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, and Palatka. REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which may be used only by real estate professionals who are members of NAR and who subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.
