Two key RPR Retirements Drive a Company Transformation

RPR^® (Realtors Property Resource^®) will soon bid a fond farewell to two of its most senior level employees.

Karen France, RPR’s SVP of Market Engagement, and Ron France, RPR’s VP of Industry Relations, have announced their plans to retire. (And no, the RPR Frances are not related!)

Although their RPR co-workers are feeling plenty of mixed emotions, Karen and Ron’s exits are also setting the stage for some team realignment and some well-deserved promotions from within the company.

Let’s take a look back at each of the France’s distinguished real estate careers… and also look forward to how RPR is poised to move on without their valuable leadership.

Karen France joined RPR in 2012, and worked as a consultant for RPR the year prior. Since 2018, Karen has served as RPR’s Senior Vice President for Market Engagement and oversees the RPR Industry Relations, Training & Programs, Broker Services and Data Support teams.

Karen is also an attorney who has worked for REALTORS^® for nearly 40 years, getting her start at the Kansas Association of REALTORS^® where she was the Governmental Affairs Director and then went on to run the KAR subsidiary company Real Estate Business Resources, LLC for ten years. In that role, she worked with Associations, MLSs and Brokerages to support REALTORS^® in the success of their business, a large part in supporting 15 of the 23 MLSs in the state. Karen’s official last day as SVP of Market Engagement will be on December 31, 2023, but she has agreed to stay on board until March 31, 2024 as a Strategic Advisor.

After riding off into the sunset and calling it a career, Karen plans to do more volunteer work with her church to help serve her local community. And she plans to do a lot of reading!

Ron France has been with RPR since its inception, in 2010. Prior to RPR, Ron had an extensive background in real estate, including being the Director of Sales at Realtor.com, from 1996 to 2005. He then pivoted to real estate transactions as the Eastern Regional Manager and Associate Broker at two offices for RealtyUSA, where he oversaw daily operations and managed over sixty REALTORS^®. In addition to his role with RPR, Ron is a second-generation REALTOR^® and President of CNY Signature Properties LLC, located in Central New York.

As the VP of Industry Relations for RPR, Ron and his team work with REALTOR^® Associations and MLSs to expand and maintain RPR’s market partnerships through effective communication, support and training programs.

Ronnie’s (his stage name) official last day will be on December 31st, 2023. And he’s looking forward to playing a lot of jazz bass in 2024! Ron is an accomplished musician with a long list of credits, including being the bassist for jazz vocalist Nancy Kelly, whose first album on Amherst Records went to number eight on the Billboard Jazz Charts. Ronnie’s long-time collaboration with vocalist Ronnie Leigh and keyboardist Larry Arlotta led to two Grammy nominated CDs.

After many years of dedicated service, Karen France and Ron France have decided to embark on a new journey in life and enjoy the well-deserved fruits of their labor. Throughout their careers, they’ve been the epitome of professionalism, expertise, and unwavering commitment to REALTORS^® and REALTOR^® Associations, their colleagues and the real estate industry as a whole.

While saying farewell to Karen and Ron is bittersweet, it is also bringing some positive news. RPR is excited to announce several well-deserved promotions within the organization, reflecting the dedication, expertise and leadership that continue to drive its success.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals on their new roles:

Emily Line: Senior Vice President, Strategic Engagement. In her previous role as VP, Member Experience, Emily has been an unwavering advocate for our members, ensuring their experiences are second to none. In her new role, Emily will expand her impact, focusing on creating meaningful connections and fostering strong relationships with our members, partners and stakeholders. Emily will also continue to leverage her vast experience in the Commercial industry to oversee RPR’s Commercial Services Team.

Allen Wright: Senior Vice President, Operations/Internal Systems. Allen has been a driving force in the operations and internal systems that keep RPR running smoothly. In his new role, Allen will continue to optimize RPR’s processes and infrastructure, including overseeing RPR’s Omaha-based Member Support team, while driving efficiency and effectiveness throughout the organization.

Ray Gronowski: Vice President, Market Engagement. Ray is the leader of RPR’s Broker Services team, where he and his team focus on increasing the knowledge and awareness of all brokerages and franchisors nationally to the benefits of the RPR system along with creating a broker tool set that will improve broker productivity, lower business costs and equip REALTORS^® with better statistical information. As a results-driven leader in the real estate franchise and technology industries, Ray will be adding RPR’s Industry Relations team to his responsibilities, starting in January of 2024. In this role, he will work closely with IR Directors and their commitment to MLSs and Associations throughout the U.S. Under this new, expanded role, Ray will now serve as RPR’s Vice President, Market Engagement.

Kristen Carr: Vice President of Strategic Integrations. Kristen’s strategic prop tech insights and industry relationships have made a significant contribution to RPR’s growth. In her new role as Vice President of Strategic Integrations, Kristen will spearhead efforts to forge valuable partnerships and alliances that will strengthen RPR’s position in providing value to RPR users.

Another heartfelt congratulations to Emily Line, Reggie Nicolay, Allen Wright, Ray Gronowski and Kristen Carr on their well-earned promotions. Their dedication, hard work and leadership are instrumental in driving RPR forward, as we look forward to the continued positive impact they’ll have in their new roles.