Last Updated: May 22, 2025
Denee Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), has announced that she will not renew her contract and will step down at the end of this year. After more than a decade of dedicated leadership, Evans led the trade organization through a transformative era for CMLS.
Evans shared the news in a message to members, reflecting on her time at the helm as both a personal and professional milestone.
“After more than a decade of working together, this is a deeply personal and meaningful moment for me,” she wrote. “When I joined as the very first staff member, we set out to create something impactful. Today, we are on track to have 10 staff members and a robust strategic plan in motion.”
Under her leadership, CMLS has grown into a nationally recognized voice in organized real estate. The organization reached several historic milestones during her tenure—including submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court and achieving record levels of member engagement and organizational performance in 2024.
Evans expressed her pride in the collective accomplishments of the CMLS community, noting, “The progress we’ve made is a testament to the strength and dedication of our membership and the leadership of this community.”
While Evans has not yet determined her next professional step, she plans to take time to rest, recharge, and be with her family before exploring new opportunities. In the interim, she remains committed to advancing the CMLS mission.
“I will continue to give 110% through the end of the year, working hard to execute on our strategic priorities and deliver excellence in our programs,” she affirmed.
She has also pledged her full support to the CMLS Board in its search for a new CEO and expressed confidence in the organization’s future.
“I’m confident that CMLS is positioned for continued growth, relevance, and success,” she added. “Thank you for the honor of serving this remarkable community. It has truly been the ride of a lifetime.”
CMLS will share updates regarding the leadership transition as they become available.
FAQs
Why is Denee Evans leaving?
After a decade leading CMLS – growing it from an annual conference to a multi-faceted, member-driven organization representing 230 MLSs across North America – she is ready for a new challenge after a much-deserved break.
As the industry continues to evolve and adapt, now is the right time for a fresh perspective to lead CMLS into the future in service of its members and the consumers they serve.
What will she be doing next?
She does not have any immediate plans for her next role; but as a skillful leader and innovator, it will be exciting to see what she does next. Before she makes her next move, she is looking forward to spending time with her family, supporting her community through animal rescue and advocacy of foster children, and spending time in her garden.
How will this impact CMLS’s programs and priorities?
In short, it will not. CMLS’s staff and Board are working towards ambitious goals, and those priorities will remain. As a member-driven organization, CMLS exists to champion the value of the multiple listing service through advocacy, best practices, and education. Our members provide an open, fair, transparent, and comprehensive real estate marketplace for brokers, agents, and consumers.
How will this affect CMLS’s role in the industry?
CMLS’s influence and commitment remain unchanged—Denee, the Board, and staff are aligned to keep our momentum going during this planned transition.
What is the timeline for hiring a new CEO?
We expect to have someone in place and ready to lead CMLS by the end of the year. Ms. Evans is fully committed to ensuring the new CEO is set up for success.
Who is leading the executive search?
CMLS has engaged Career Management Partners (CMP) for the executive search. They have been working with CMLS for the past year to assess the organization – structure, roles, future needs – and provide guidance to build a strong foundation to best serve the needs of its members in the future.
The Board is overseeing the process and has formed a Selection Committee to find a new leader who aligns with our mission and values. We’ll provide regular updates as the search advances and expect to introduce the new leader once they’re onboarded, with Evans remaining in place until then.
Will Denee still be around during the transition?
Yes, she will stay on through the end of the year, ensuring continuity in our operations, support for members, and a seamless transition.
How can I ask more questions?
Questions can be directed to transition@cmls.org, or you may reach out to any member of the Board.
Media requests:
All media inquiries can be directed to media@councilofmls.org.