By Steve Sinovic / Journal Staff Writer:

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The longtime executive vice president of the Greater Albuquerque Association of Realtors has left the organization.

Janice McCrary, who headed the group for 10 years, said she’s retiring. Her successor is Kent Cravens, a former state legislator and government relations director for the association representing New Mexico’s oil and natural gas industry.

During her tenure, McCrary oversaw the expansion of many programs at the association, which is the largest, local professional trade association in Central New Mexico with close to 3,000 members.

GAAR, which includes Bernalillo, Valencia, Sandoval, Torrance and parts of Socorro and Santa Fe counties, provides real estate information services and data in New Mexico.

“The job incorporates so many of the things I’ve done and enjoy,” said Cravens, who looks forward to enhancing professional opportunities for members and consumer protection. “I love real estate and what these folks do. I hope to be an effective advocate.”

Cravens lauded McCrary, who is off on a trip to Mexico, for her contributions. “She’s done really good work in helping to grow the association,” he said. ” I have some terribly large shoes to fill.”