Last Updated: May 13, 2025
Las Vegas, NV – May 13, 2025 – The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), the trade association for 230 multiple listing services (MLS) in North America serving over 1.5 million real estate professionals, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rene Galicia, Esq., as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) beginning May 19th. As one of the foremost experts in MLS policy, Galicia brings a depth of experience on both interpretation and implementation, which will help guide CMLS’ members through complex landscapes while championing transparency, efficiency, and pro-competitive practices.
He brings extensive expertise in business operations, legal counsel, and strategic industry leadership from his previous role as Executive Vice President, Policy Counsel & Strategic Partnerships. With a proven track record in real estate and MLS, Rene has driven operational excellence and policy innovation across several high-impact roles. Most recently, he led customer engagement (support, training, compliance, and shareholder relations) and policy initiatives at Bright MLS, earning recognition as a HousingWire Vanguard and RISMedia Newsmaker for his transformative contributions to the industry.
Rene also served as Director of MLS Engagement at the National Association of REALTORS®, where he managed relationships with nearly 600 MLSs nationwide and advised on technology and policy advancements. During his tenure at the California Regional MLS, he honed his skills in compliance, data licensing, and training operations, deepening his operational and industry expertise.
Galicia’s extensive industry knowledge and collaborative leadership style position him to drive innovative policy, operations, and partnership initiatives. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Greyshirt with Team Rubicon, a non-profit veteran-led disaster response organization, and also provides pro-bono legal services to underprivileged communities.
As COO of CMLS, Galicia will oversee the organization’s operations, collaborating with MLS leaders, staff, and stakeholders to advance the multiple listing service as the engine behind a fair, transparent, efficient housing market. His expertise in MLS operations, policy, and legal frameworks, combined with his commitment to industry innovation, positions him to lead CMLS through a transformative period of growth.
“We are pleased to welcome Rene Galicia to the CMLS leadership team,” said Denee Evans, CEO of CMLS. “His extensive experience in MLS policy, operational excellence, and his passion for advancing the industry make him the perfect leader to help us deliver exceptional value to our members.”
Galicia shared his excitement for the role, stating, “I am thrilled to join CMLS as Chief Operating Officer and contribute to its mission of empowering the MLS community through innovation and collaboration. I look forward to driving CMLS’s mission of fostering a healthy real estate marketplace by working with our members, partners, and staff to help shape the future of MLS.”
Media Contact
media@councilofmls.org
About CMLS
CMLS is an association of over 230 Multiple Listing Services, serving over 1.5 million
subscribers, whose mission is to set the standard for Multiple Listing Service excellence
and support all who seek it. CMLS is committed to a thriving Multiple Listing Service
industry that strengthens and enriches the efficiency, transparency, and competitive
vibrancy of the North American real estate marketplace.