OREA appoints new interim CEO: Sonia Richards, chief of staff & board strategy

After recently announcing that Tim Hudak decided not to continue in his role as CEO, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) says it has started a comprehensive internal and external search to identify Hudak’s permanent successor in leading the association. Hudak’s term ended on August 2.

In the meantime, the board has appointed Sonia Richards, chief of staff & board strategy, as interim CEO, effective August 12.

Richards’ ‘substantial expertise in leading critical operational aspects of our organization will serve OREA well’

“On behalf of the OREA Board of Directors, and all of our employees, members, member boards and stakeholders, I want to thank Tim for his many contributions to OREA throughout his leadership over the past seven years,” says Rick Kedzior, president of the OREA Board of Directors.

“Tim’s leadership has been critical to the progress OREA has made in streamlining Ontario’s real estate sector and positioning the association for the next phase in its advancement. As the board progresses in its search for Tim’s successor, I am confident that Sonia’s experience as a seasoned industry leader, and her substantial expertise in leading critical operational aspects of our organization, will serve OREA well in her expanded role as interim CEO.”

Kedzior, who Richards will report to, goes on to mention they will work closely with support from their leadership team, and that he looks forward to working with the board during the candidate search process for Hudak’s successor.

OREA notes that beyond her extensive expertise, Richards is a respected leader, mentor and organizational champion.

Richards’ interim role going forward 

In her role as interim CEO, Richards will be responsible for managing the day-to-day functions of the association, in addition to her existing responsibilities as chief of staff & board strategy. 

These functions will include providing fiscal oversight, planning and analysis of OREA business activities as well as program management, member board strategy, member relations, corporate strategy and business planning functions.

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