Richard Gibbens, Executive Director of SWMLS, has accepted the CEO position for Bluegrass REALTORS® and Imagine MLS in Lexington, Kentucky.

“It is with mixed emotions that I leave Southwest MLS, but my new role offers my family a chance to be closer to home and my ability to contribute to an organization positioned for growth," said Gibbens. "During my time in Albuquerque, we achieved remarkable milestones and paved the road for others. I am confident GAAR and SWMLS will continue to innovate and thrive by building on the strong foundation we created.”

Throughout his three-and-a-half-year tenure with GAAR, despite several of the most challenging years in real estate, Gibbens helped bring national awareness to GAAR and SWMLS as industry leaders for its willingness to embrace new technology with industry firsts, pilot programs, and beta testing.

Alongside the SWMLS Board of Directors, Gibbens implemented multiple changes and products to ensure data accuracy and market integrity to provide a reliable foundation for market analysis such as the Minimum Photo Rule that ensures every listing is comparable and more than 50 field changes. Product partnerships were formed with Rental Beast, Forewarn, Builders Update, Property Shield, Real Estate News, ShowingTime Offers, and more. Gibbens also created a video library of more than 100 training videos.

In addition, he eliminated unnecessary paperwork, digitized forms, and reduced the number of compliance fines (despite an increase in warnings) by taking an education-first and member-friendly approach.  

Gibbens a firm believer in industry participation and innovation, served on multiple workgroups and committees across CMLS, RESO, and NAR. He holds the CMLX3, RED-B, AHWD, and C2EX designations.

“Richard has been a cornerstone of the positive growth we’ve experienced at SWMLS and GAAR. As he embarks on his new journey, he carries with him our deepest gratitude and warmest wishes,” said Kent Cravens, GAAR CEO.

GAAR & SWMLS have formed a search committee for a new SWMLS Director.