The Kansas Association of REALTORS® leadership is excited to announce Maranda DeSanto as its new Chief Executive Officer, beginning June 10, 2024.
DeSanto brings nearly 20 years of real estate and association management experience to KAR previously serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Lake Superior Area REALTORS® in Duluth, Minnesota and most recently serving as the Director of Member Experience for the National Speakers Association (NSA). She holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives and the REALTOR® Association Certified Executive (RCE) designation from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). She also holds two degrees from the University of Minnesota - Duluth and received NAR’s AE Leaders of Tomorrow Young Professionals Award in 2016. She will follow Karen Gehle who is retiring after 29 years as CEO for KAR.
"We are thrilled to welcome Maranda to the Kansas Association of REALTORS®," said Jon Fort, President, of KAR. "With her proven record of success, we are confident she will guide KAR to new heights and empower our members to thrive in today's dynamic real estate market."
DeSanto expressed enthusiasm about joining KAR, stating, "I am honored to take on this role with the Kansas Association of REALTORS®. I am looking forward to working closely with our dedicated leadership, members, staff, and local associations to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and advocate for the interests of real property ownership statewide."
In her role, DeSanto will oversee all aspects of KAR's operations, working closely with the Board of Directors, local associations, and stakeholders to continue to advance KAR's commitment to advocating for property rights and empowering REALTORS® across Kansas to achieve success through excellence in real estate practices. With a commitment to innovation, professionalism, advocacy, and member experience, she will champion a new era of growth and success for KAR.
Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Maranda as she embarks on this exciting new chapter with the Kansas Association of REALTORS®.