Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Names Michael Theo as New President and CEO
Date: October 25, 2011
MADISON, WI – The Wisconsin REALTORS
® Association (WRA) announced that Michael Theo has been appointed its new President and CEO, effective October 18, 2011. Theo will replace longtime President Bill Malkasian, who has accepted a vice president position with the National Association of REALTORS
®.
“The real estate industry is in the midst of significant challenges and changes, and I can’t think of anyone better than Mike to lead this organization and industry at this critical time,” said Malkasian. “Mike Theo has proven to be an innovative leader in association management and public policy for many years and will use that experience to take the organization to a new level.”
Theo, a native of Madison, has worked for the WRA for 27 years. He began in 1985 as the Director of Governmental and Political Affairs and rose to Senior Vice President of Legal and Public Affairs. In that capacity, Theo has managed the association’s legal, legislative, political, research and public relations operations.
“The challenges facing our industry here in Wisconsin and nationally are historic, but I share our members’ optimism about the future,” Theo said. “Our priority will remain on making the dream of homeownership a reality for all Wisconsin families and helping grow our economy and jobs. We will concentrate on enhancing our professionalism and services, capitalizing on our legislative opportunities and maximizing our political effectiveness.”
Theo is a lifelong resident of Madison and has served in leadership roles for the National Association of REALTORS
®, the Wisconsin Society of Association Executives, the Association of Wisconsin Lobbyists, the Wisconsin Higher Education Business Roundtable and the Madison School District Strategic Planning Committee. He attended the UW-Madison and holds a Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the American Society of Association Executives. He resides in Madison with his wife of 30 years, Sheryl, and has two adult children.