Council of Multiple Listing Services Inducts Merri Jo Cowen into CMLS Hall of Fame
September 25, 2025
September 25, 2025 —
The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), the professional trade organization dedicated to advancing the MLS industry, proudly announces the induction of Merri Jo Cowen, Chief Executive Officer of Stellar MLS, into the CMLS Hall of Fame.
Recognized as one of the most influential leaders in the history of the multiple listing service industry, Cowen’s career spans more than four decades of groundbreaking service, innovation, and mentorship.
“Merri Jo’s leadership has shaped both the MLS industry and CMLS as an organization,” said Denée Evans, CEO of CMLS. “She has always led by example — with vision, collaboration, and a steady commitment to progress. Her calm, reasoned approach has guided our industry through pivotal moments, and her ability to cultivate leaders and build collaboration has left a lasting mark. Personally, I am grateful for her mentorship and support over the past 11 years. CMLS and the MLS community are stronger today because of Merri Jo, and it is fitting to see her honored with this place in the Hall of Fame.”
Leadership, Mentorship, and Impact
Cowen’s legacy is not only one of organizational growth and technological progress but also of mentorship. She has guided countless industry leaders, including Shelley Specchio, Sean Murphy, Chris Carrillo, Melissa King, and Stellar MLS COO Shayne Fairley, who has been named her successor when she steps down from her current role in early 2026.
“In my time at Stellar, I have seen Merri Jo turn her vision into results with steady focus and a clear belief that we succeed when our brokers do,” said Fairley. “She is genuinely curious, follows through, and leads with kindness and determination. Merri Jo has a gift for making complex topics easy to understand, and she has nurtured and developed numerous leaders along the way. I feel honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from her leadership. The CMLS Hall of Fame recognizes both achievement and character. Merri Jo exemplifies both, and our industry is better because of her.”
Her leadership during pivotal industry moments—most recently navigating policy changes stemming from the 2024 NAR settlement—demonstrated her trademark transparency, collaboration, and steady hand. Her campaigns educating Stellar MLS subscribers were recognized nationally for innovation in marketing and consumer communication.
Cowen has also been consistently recognized among the Swanepoel Power 200, RISMedia Newsmakers, Inman Power Players, and was named to the RISMedia Hall of Fame. She was honored with the Inman MLS Reinvented Award, the CMLS Shuttleworth MLS Executive of the Year in 2018, and was named a 2025 HousingWire Woman of Influence.
Service to CMLS and the Profession
Cowen has long been a cornerstone of CMLS leadership, serving as a past president, board director, and, notably, Dean of the CMLX Certification Program. She holds CMLX1, CMLX2, and CMLX3 designations herself and has overseen the curriculum that defines MLS management excellence. Often referred to as the “Godmother of MLS,” she has elevated professional standards and helped cultivate a new generation of MLS leaders.
Her influence extends nationally and globally, serving on the MLS Grid Board of Managers, the National Association of REALTORS® MLS Executive Advisory Board, and the MLS Issues and Policy Committee, while also founding Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) to share MLS best practices worldwide.
A Trailblazing Career
Cowen began her MLS journey in the early 1980s at the Reno Sparks Board of REALTORS®, where she rose from data entry staff to MLS Director, and led the creation of a regional MLS for Reno and Carson City. In 2003, she became the first CEO of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS, and in 2008 was selected to lead the Mid Florida Regional MLS (MFRMLS). Under her leadership, MFRMLS rebranded to Stellar MLS in 2019, growing to represent more than 80,000 real estate professionals across Florida and Puerto Rico, making it the largest MLS in Florida and the third largest in the nation.
Throughout her tenure, Cowen has been a driving force behind modernization and innovation. She spearheaded the adoption of the RESO Data Dictionary in 2018, setting a national standard for MLS data interoperability. She also championed customer-focused tools such as Down Payment Resource, SkySlope Offers, and Finding Homes, a voice-activated property search for the visually impaired.
“Having had the privilege of working alongside Merri Jo through some of the most challenging times in our industry, I can say without hesitation, Merri Jo is one of the most powerful and intuitive leaders I have ever met,” said Jeff Fagan, Stellar MLS president. “Integrity, transparency, and professionalism are core foundation principles Merri Jo exemplifies daily. She will always be in my personal Hall of Fame!”
Cowen’s impact on the MLS profession—and the many leaders she has guided—will continue to resonate in an enduring legacy.
More News
HENDERSON, NV — December 12, 2025 – The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), the trade association dedicated to strengthening the MLS as the foundation of an accessible, efficient, and transparent marketplace, is proud to announce its 2026 Board of Directors. This group of respected industry leaders brings a deep commitment to MLS advancement and a shared purpose of guiding the future of the organized marketplace. The 2026 Board will continue building on a legacy of leadership and innovation, with a strategic focus on policy, collaboration, and creating frameworks that empower MLSs to evolve with confidence. “This Board brings the experience and perspective that matter right now,” said Denee Evans, CEO of CMLS. “They understand the complexity of the moment and the responsibility that comes with leading an industry in transition. The work we’ve done to strengthen the MLS, build clearer frameworks, and elevate our voice has set a strong foundation. This group is prepared to carry that work forward and ensure CMLS remains a steady partner for our members and a trusted force for the marketplace and the professionals who rely on it.”
FLORIDA, U.S. (Dec. 11, 2025) – Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest and most influential multiple listing services in the U.S., is capping off the year by setting a new standard for professionalism and interconnectivity in real estate worldwide. With a growing global network, UCO is at the center of a movement to transform real estate through the power of the multiple listing service (MLS). In 2025, UCO has supported leaders and organizations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and Europe, while also strengthening emerging markets within these regions. Through hands-on consulting and strategy development, UCO is supporting technology evolution, association-led modernization and the creation of educational content tailored for international partners. In just 12 months, UCO has had the privilege of guiding more than 20 additional countries and organizations, and fostering cross-border knowledge sharing through strategic sessions and leadership forums. “We are proud to collaborate with our colleagues worldwide who share our vision to elevate the global real estate ecosystem,” said Marion Weiler, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications and Global Markets at UCO and Stellar MLS. “With a unifying focus on collaboration and empowerment—connecting people, markets and ideas—we unlock the transparency, trust, and efficiency needed to transform entire regions.” As it wraps up Q4, UCO celebrates a quarter defined by major initiatives and international events that underscore its expanding influence. At events from Paris to Prague, UCO is showcasing its expertise with key MLS and real estate principles—shared data, standardized practices and education—that empower markets, elevate professionalism and benefit consumers beyond borders. Engaging Professionals and Policymakers to Advance the MLS in France In November, UCO’s executive team attended the Real Estate & New Tech (RENT) event in Paris, France. RENT, Europe’s leading real estate and tech innovation expo, brought together industry professionals, startups and solution providers to showcase the future of property technology. UCO leadership engaged with leaders from CEPI (European Association of Real Estate Professionals) and shared insights as they prepare efforts for 2026. As a knowledge partner to CEPI, UCO has been actively sharing educational resources, case studies and practical guidance to help shape the future of real estate transparency and collaboration across Europe. Modernizing the Czech Market In 2024, UCO formalized a collaboration with Igluu, a Prague-based digital technology firm, to expand the MLS model and enhance value for consumers and real estate professionals in the Czech Republic and beyond. Last month, UCO’s executive team presented at Igluu’s Innovation & Inspiration in the Real Estate Market event to showcase how the key benefits of the MLS are modernizing the Czech market by supporting transparency and professional cooperation, and supporting access to accurate property data. “Our collaboration with Igluu is a shared commitment to shaping the future of real estate through education, transparency and innovation,” said Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, Senior Vice President of Technology, Innovation and Global Markets at UCO and Stellar MLS. “By combining our expertise with Igluu’s forward-thinking approach, we’re working to accelerate the adoption of MLS principles and reimagine the Czech real estate market.” Stellar MLS/UCO Honored for Industry Leadership As global demand for MLS framework and best practices increases, UCO is well-positioned as the trusted, connected guide for markets at every stage of readiness. In recognition of its leadership in advancing real estate professionals globally, UCO’s parent organization Stellar MLS has been approved as a Principal Member of FIABCI Worldwide for 2026. On Dec. 5 at the 44th Global Leadership Summit in Panama City, Panama, where industry leaders from around the world came together for thought-provoking discussions and immersive sessions, FIABCI’s Board of Directors formally announced their decision. “We are honored to now be a Principal Member of FIABCI,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “This status reflects the global trust we’ve earned through integrity, collaboration and our commitment to FIABCI’s mission thus far. It’s not only an acknowledgment of what we’ve accomplished—it’s a foundation for what comes next.” As part of FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation representing 1.5 million professionals across currently 83 countries, Stellar MLS and UCO will gain a formal voice in both FIABCI-USA and FIABCI International, strengthening its global platform for advocacy, collaboration and education. Entering 2026 with exceptional momentum, UCO will continue to empower, educate, and elevate the global real estate industry, shaping the future of the MLS worldwide. By focusing on principles—not just partnerships—UCO continues to serve as a foundation for global collaboration in real estate.
At Stellar MLS, our valued brokers and agents run their businesses with speed, care, and precision. When a listing won’t update or a deadline is looming, it can prevent their clients from obtaining the necessary information needed to find the home of their dreams. That’s when my Support and Membership, Administration, & Data Integrity (MADI) teams step in to help. When you place a call to our offices, you can rest assured that the team member you connect with will have the resources to not only answer your questions but also leave you in a better position than when you placed the call. Stellar MLS wouldn’t be who we are without the team's continuing dedication to every customer we serve. Because of their work, Stellar MLS continues to offer you the best data in the industry, every time. We want to highlight the important work Support and MADI do every day and give them a chance to share moments when their efforts truly made a difference in our community.
Bellevue, WA; AdX, Inc., FL – December 2, 2025 – AdX, Inc., the company behind the AdBuilder™ digital advertising platform, is proud to announce the launch of AdBuilder™, the all-in-one digital advertising platform for real estate professionals, with Stellar MLS, one of the nation’s largest and most influential multiple listing services. Starting today, more than 80,000 agents and brokers across 21 REALTOR® associations in Florida and Puerto Rico can access AdBuilder™ directly inside MLS-Touch® to effortlessly market their listings with professional digital ads, requiring minimal design skills or technical expertise. “We’re thrilled to partner with Stellar MLS to simplify digital marketing at scale,” said Margo Fraker, CEO of AdBuilder™. “Agents want tools that are fast, easy, and work — and that’s exactly what AdBuilder™ delivers. We’re here to remove the complexity and let agents focus on what they do best: winning listings and closing deals.” AdBuilder™ automatically pulls listing data and photos straight from the MLS to generate ready-to-launch video ad campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, Google, and Bing — in under 60 seconds. With just a few taps, Stellar MLS customers can launch optimized video and display ads from their phone or tablet, reaching buyers where they browse most. Each campaign includes a client-ready seller report that shows clear, measurable results including views, clicks, and audience reach. “At Stellar MLS, we’re always looking for ways to equip our customers with the tools they need to compete and thrive in today’s digital-first market,” said Shayne Fairley COO of Stellar MLS. “AdBuilder™ aligns with that mission by making it easy for agents to run impactful digital campaigns right from the MLS ecosystem they already know and trust.” This launch reflects a shared commitment to innovation, productivity, and modern real estate marketing. With no setup required, minimal design expertise needed, and real-time campaign reporting built in, AdBuilder™ transforms a traditionally time-consuming process into a seamless, high-impact experience. AdBuilder™ is now available to all Stellar MLS customers via the MLS-Touch® app. To learn more and see how it works, visit adbuilder.pro/stellar. About Stellar MLS Stellar MLS is the multiple listing service for real estate professionals who value clarity, stability, and support in a real estate market and industry defined by change. As the largest multiple listing service in the state of Florida and among the largest and most influential in the U.S., Stellar MLS serves over 80,000 customers and supports real estate agents and brokers across 20 REALTOR® associations in Central and Southwest Florida and Puerto Rico. Its extensive footprint allows Stellar MLS to deliver a broader suite of cutting-edge products and services, and more opportunities for customers to do business than almost any other MLS. Stellar MLS creates conditions within which real estate professionals can succeed, the housing market can thrive, and people who seek homeownership have every opportunity to achieve it. About AdX, Inc. AdX is the creator of AdBuilder™, a platform built to simplify and supercharge real estate advertising. By automating ad creation, targeting, and reporting, AdBuilder helps agents win listings, impress sellers, and get results — fast.
Discover how Stellar MLS builds trust, strengthens data integrity, and drives real estate innovation through collaboration and cutting-edge MLS solutions.
Now more than ever, the real estate industry is facing a trust crisis . Buyers question what they see. Sellers feel unsure about the process. In a market already weighed down by economic pressure, that lack of transparency has left many wondering who they can truly rely on. So, how can we rebuild trust in today’s real estate market? The National Association of REALTORS® found that “The U.S. is currently encountering a housing affordability crisis … with the lack of housing inventory and reduced affordability, first-time buyers have been reduced to historic lows.” For many, homeownership has never seemed more distant. While dealing with the challenge of a changing market, agents are trying to steady the ground beneath them. They are tasked with guiding clients who are conditioned to question them. Stellar MLS believes that the answer to this trust crisis is transparency. Transparency means ensuring that all details agents rely on are verified and accurate. It means open communication when policies change and accountability when something needs correction. That belief in transparency is shared across Stellar MLSs leadership. Here’s how Chief Operating Officer Shayne Fairley explains its importance.
