Tiffany James will take the helm at the association in July. Plus, Debbye Tyler to spearhead United Chicago’s growth efforts; Cole West promotes building exec.
Editor’s note: As an industry with millions of agents and over 100,000 brokerage companies, new leaders rise to the top every day. Here we highlight executives and other notable leaders who’ve recently taken on, or stepped away from, roles that influence the residential real estate landscape.
37-year industry veteran takes on managing broker role at United
United Real Estate has appointed Debbye Tyler to serve as designated managing broker of United Real Estate Chicago.
Tyler brings nearly four decades of real estate experience to the role, including time as a top-producing agent and owner of a boutique brokerage. As designated managing broker, she will focus on agent business planning, ethics, relationship-building and operational systems. She will also support agents through training, mentorship and compliance programs while overseeing efforts to grow United Real Estate’s presence in the Chicago market, according to the brokerage.
Tyler said her experience across multiple market cycles has shaped her approach to agent development and business growth. “After 37 years in this business, I can relate to the different stages of an agent’s career: the challenges, the market shifts, the learning curves,” Tyler said.
“My goal is to help agents develop confidence and momentum by creating an atmosphere where they are empowered to build businesses that reflect their individuality and needs,” Tyler added.
New CEO to lead HAAR’s ‘next chapter’
The Huntsville Area Association of Realtors (HAAR) has named Tiffany James its new chief executive officer. James will begin the role at the end of July and will oversee the Alabama association as well as ValleyMLS.
James brings more than 20 years of experience in association leadership, communications, advocacy and member engagement, according to a news release. She most recently served as CEO of the Fort Collins Board of Realtors, where she led strategic initiatives, expanded partnership programs and oversaw technology modernization efforts. She also previously held senior leadership roles with the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors.
As CEO at HAAR, James will work with association leaders, brokers, Realtors, MLS subscribers and community partners as North Alabama continues to experience growth across multiple industries, the organization said.
James “brings exactly the kind of forward-thinking, relationship-centered leadership HAAR needs for this next chapter,” HAAR President Regina Mitchell said, adding that James “understands how to balance innovation with trust” and has “a strong track record of building relationships, strengthening governance, and helping Realtor organizations deliver meaningful value.”
Cole West promotes ‘proven’ leader
Cole West has named Chris Winter its new president of homebuilding. Winter, who previously served as division president for Cole West’s Southern Utah home building arm, will now also oversee operations in the northern reaches of the state.
Winter joined the home builder in 2021 after serving as vice president of finance at PulteGroup, and he previously worked as an audit professional for Ernst & Young, according to a news release.
Winter’s “proven leadership and deep understanding of the Utah market make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our homebuilding operations during a time of significant growth,” said Darlene Carter, CEO of Cole West.
In his time at the company so far, Winter has overseen the development of over 1,400 homes, Carter noted, adding that his “expertise, vision, and commitment to our team and local community are invaluable as we continue to expand our presence throughout the state.”
Winter said he is looking forward to some “exciting projects in the works” at Cole West. “I appreciate our commitment to, and unwavering pursuit of, excellence through intentional design, quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to building communities that we can be proud of,” he added.
Lancaster Brown, who previously served as the company’s vice president of construction operations, will succeed Winter as division president of homebuilding in Southern Utah, the company said.
Editor’s note: AI was used in the initial drafting of this content, which was then thoroughly reviewed, fact-checked and revised by a Real Estate News editor.
