ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (March 11, 2026)— After nearly two decades at the helm of one of the nation’s most influential multiple listing services, Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, is transitioning into a full-time leadership role at Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), the organization’s fast-growing global MLS advisory subsidiary. “While my focus is shifting, I’m not leaving the industry or the mission that has guided my work at Stellar MLS,” Cowen added. “This transition allows me to dedicate my attention to scaling UCO’s impact while remaining deeply connected to the lessons and values shaped through MLS leadership.” In her role, Cowen will continue to advance UCO’s international consulting work and guide real estate professionals in building and modernizing MLS systems and practices worldwide. Cowen’s successor is Stellar MLS Chief Operations Officer Shayne Fairley, who has been an integral part of the leadership team for nearly two decades. “This is a planned and thoughtful transition, which ensures continuity and momentum for our customers and staff,” said Cowen, who will collaborate with Fairley and the Stellar team in an advisory capacity. “Stellar MLS is strong and well-positioned, and Shayne is more than ready to step forward and guide our organization into its next chapter. A Strategic Evolution that Strengthens Stellar MLS Locally and Expands Its Influence Globally Launched in 2024, UCO provides expertise and customized solutions to advance MLS practices worldwide. Building on decades of MLS leadership, UCO works with organizations at every stage of development to strengthen professional standards, foster cooperation, and support more efficient and trusted real estate marketplaces. Through its strategic partnerships with international organizations such as CEPI (the European Association of Real Estate Professions), FIABCI (the International Real Estate Federation), CILA (Latin American Real Estate Confederation), and dedicated global partners who share UCO’s mission, UCO has helped strengthen cross-border relationships and trust across real estate markets. With relationships in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe, these collaborations reflect growing global demand for proven MLS solutions and shared standards that support transparency, cooperation, and long-term market stability. In addition to these collaborations, UCO has been selected by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) India as an advisor to help establish a scalable MLS framework across the country, reinforcing a shared commitment to modernizing real estate infrastructure and strengthening professional standards. “UCO is at the intersection of global collaboration and MLS evolution,” said Cowen. “Around the world, there is a growing demand for greater transparency, structure, and trust in real estate. Many of these markets are working to address challenges we’ve already navigated. Through cooperation and shared standards, the work emerging through UCO reflects where the industry is headed and aligns closely with the principles that have guided my career.” What’s Next for Stellar MLS Widely recognized as a thought leader and industry trailblazer, Cowen has led Stellar MLS since 2008, guiding it through a period of transformational growth and modernization. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its customer base to become the largest MLS in Florida and Puerto Rico and the third largest in the U.S. This growth strengthened shareholder relationships, launched international partnerships with global organizations like CEPI and FIABCI, and solidified Stellar MLS’s position as a national and global leader in data transparency and collaboration. Cowen played a pivotal role in the MLS’s rebranding in 2019 and helped elevate the visibility and value of the MLS during a time of industry change. Cowen serves on the Board of Directors of FIABCI-USA and was appointed in January 2026 as a representative to the FIABCI International General Assembly. Fairley joined Stellar MLS in 2005 and has risen through the ranks across multiple departments, training customers and staff, guiding compliance, advancing data services, and advising operations, among other roles. Since being named COO in 2017, he has led strategic operational growth, championed customer-first initiatives, and worked with Cowen on the company’s efforts to elevate the MLS globally. “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Merri Jo for nearly two decades and have learned so much from her leadership both strategically and personally. She leads with vision and heart, and that balance of strong leadership and authentic care is part of what has made Stellar so successful – and something I hope to emulate,” said Fairley. “Her deep understanding of the MLS will be a tremendous benefit to international markets as she takes on an expanded role with UCO, and I look forward to watching her continued success.” “Across the real estate industry, this moment should reinforce a sense of stability, clarity, and confidence,” said Cowen. “Leadership transitions, when done thoughtfully and with intent, are designed to protect the organization and its customers while ensuring continued progress. As our industry continues to be more collaborative, data-driven, and increasingly global, organizations that remain adaptive and embrace those principles will be best positioned to lead and serve.” 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 more than 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 UCO Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) is a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, one of the largest multiple listing services in the U.S. Backed by decades of MLS leadership and operational expertise, UCO partners with MLSs, associations, and market leaders worldwide to transform, consolidate, and strengthen real estate marketplaces. Its strategies are tailored to local realities, aligned across diverse stakeholders, and designed to drive sustainable adoption. The result is unified, resilient, and future-ready markets that deliver measurable value to real estate professionals and the communities they serve. # # #

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.