ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (July 31, 2025) —After more than 15 years of visionary leadership, Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, announced she will step down from her role in Q1 2026. Her successor will be Stellar MLS’s current Chief Operations Officer, Shayne Fairley, who for nearly two decades has been an integral part of the leadership team at one of the nation’s largest and most influential multiple listing services. Widely recognized as a thought leader and trailblazer in the real estate industry, 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. This growth strengthened shareholder relationships, launched international partnerships, 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. “Serving as CEO of Stellar MLS has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Cowen. “I’m incredibly proud of what we have built—an MLS that delivers value, innovation, and integrity to real estate professionals and the consumers they serve. Now, I’m ready to step back, and Shayne is more than ready to step forward. I truly cannot imagine leaving what we’ve built in better hands. Shayne knows Stellar MLS inside and out, and I have complete trust in his leadership and absolute confidence that he’ll take this organization to the next level.” 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 on operations, to name a few. Since being named COO in 2017, he has led strategic operational growth, championed customer-focused initiatives, and worked with Cowen on the company’s efforts to elevate the MLS on a global scale. “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Merri Jo for nearly 20 years and learned a tremendous amount by watching how she leads, both strategically and personally. She leads with vision and heart, and that blend of high-level leadership and genuine care is part of what makes Stellar successful and is something I intend to carry forward,” said Fairley. What’s Next: A Seamless Transition Stellar MLS’s leadership transition will take place over the coming months, with Cowen working closely with Fairley to ensure a smooth and seamless handoff. The official transition is expected to be completed by Q1 2026 and throughout this period, both leaders will continue to collaborate on strategic initiatives and ongoing projects. After the leadership transition, Cowen will serve in a strategic advisory role at Stellar MLS while also leading its subsidiary Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), which supports real estate professionals worldwide. Launched in 2024 with Cowen as CEO, UCO-Global provides expertise and customized solutions to advance MLS practices globally, with a focus on transparency, data integrity, and modernized market infrastructure. Through strategic partnerships with international organizations such as CEPI (the European Association of Real Estate Professions) and FIABCI (the International Real Estate Federation), and alongside dedicated global partners who share UCO-Global’s mission to empower real estate markets worldwide, UCO-Global has helped foster collaboration and trust across the real estate industry in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. “Our priorities remain the same—delivering exceptional value to our customers, championing innovation, and helping shape the future of the real estate industry both at home and around the world,” said Fairley. 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 84,000 customers and supports real estate agents and brokers across 21 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.

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UCO-Global, a Stellar MLS subsidiary, continues to support and provide guidance to international leaders in creating MLS-informed solutions rooted in transparency, collaboration, and trust

You’re at the starting gate. The crowd is buzzing. The sun is high, and your pulse races with anticipation. You’re not just here to run. You’re here to win. That’s what the right training does. It transforms potential into performance. And at Stellar MLS, we believe you deserve every advantage on the track to success. The Race Begins: Why Training Matters Now More Than Ever Real estate is an industry in constant motion. Markets shift. Technology advances. Consumers demand more. The agents who thrive are the ones who adapt, grow, and lead. Education is what sets them apart. Stellar MLS’s enhanced continuing education experience is designed to help you do exactly that. Not just to learn, but to grow into the most credible, confident, and capable version of yourself. What sets this training apart? It’s not just another class; it’s part of a best-in-class education program. Our training is consistently built with your evolving needs at the center, offering hands-on guidance that reflects the realities of today’s fast-moving market. Across the industry, Stellar’s approach to education stands out. With a foundation in practical tools, expert instruction, and a commitment to agent success, our training doesn’t just inform, it transforms. And that’s what makes it a true differentiator. Because you’re not here to be average. You’re here to lead. Introducing the OneHome Triple Crown Series To help you take the lead, we’ve launched a game-changing training series inspired by one of the most iconic competitions in racing history: the OneHome Triple Crown Series. This is a three-part training series focused on helping you sharpen your collaboration skills, streamline your tools, and stand out in your market. Complete all three courses by May 23, 2025, to earn the Triple Crown OneHome Winner Badge Automatic entry into a drawing to win a free one-year Stellar MLS subscription Each course is designed to help you master a different component of the OneHome ecosystem: Course 1: Staging Your Buyers' OneHome Experience Learn how to use the Agent Portal to manage multiple clients efficiently Customize listings using Agent Picks and Discards Track customer activity and keep them engaged Deliver a fully branded, professional experience from start to finish Course 2: Bringing Your Customer Home Guide your clients using OneHome’s interactive tools Help them compare listings, request tours, and provide feedback Offer powerful presentation materials that highlight your value Keep clients informed and confident every step of the way Course 3: Matrix, Prospects CRM, and OneHome Understand how all three tools work together seamlessly Automate follow-ups and manage your contacts with ease Get a 360-degree view of your client’s journey Build stronger relationships that last beyond the transaction Courses will be offered twice weekly throughout May, including convenient Wednesday evening sessions. You can take each course individually, but all three must be completed by May 23 to earn your badge and enter the drawing. Training Is Your Superpower This isn’t just about a badge. This is about elevating your career. In today’s market, your knowledge is your advantage. When customers trust your expertise, they naturally follow your lead. The right MLS training gives you the tools to: Position yourself as a local expert Respond to market shifts with agility and accuracy Offer personalized, tech-forward service Win trust and stand out from the crowd With every training you complete, you’re sharpening your edge. You’re showing to customers that you're not just participating in real estate, you're excelling. We’re For You At Stellar MLS, everything we do is designed around your success. Our promise is clear: We create conditions for you to thrive. From top-tier tools and data to world-class support and training, we’re not just a service provider. We’re your partner. Our job is to help you do your job better. And our education program is one more way we’re doing just that. You can count on us for clarity, confidence, and a culture of support. Ready to Claim Your Crown? This is your chance to invest in yourself, stand out in your market, and potentially win a full year of MLS service on us. To qualify: You must complete all three courses You cannot miss more than five minutes of any session All training must be completed by May 23, 2025 Note: Finishers will be automatically entered into the grand prize drawing for a one-year Stellar MLS subscription reimbursement for the 2025 billing season. Choose your course times, stay on pace, and cross the finish line strong. The Triple Crown badge, bragging rights, and your shot at a free year of service are all within reach. This is your run for the roses. We’ll see you at the winner’s circle! Learn more and register for the 2025 OneHome Triple Crown Series here .

Every home has a story. Some begin with excitement, others with uncertainty. But for each person searching for a place to belong, there’s one constant: the hope that they’ll be treated fairly, guided honestly, and given a real chance to own a piece of their future. That’s where you come in. As a real estate professional, you’re more than a market expert. You’re an advocate. You’re the steady voice in a process that can feel overwhelming. You may not see it every day, but your role is essential in the ongoing movement to advance fair and equitable housing for all. April is Fair Housing Month, and it marks more than a moment in history. It’s a reminder that equity, access, and opportunity should be foundational to every real estate transaction. It’s a chance to reflect on what still needs to change and recognize the role you play in driving that change forward. Fair Housing Is More Than a Law. It’s a Promise. The Fair Housing Act, passed in 1968, laid a foundation to protect people from discrimination in housing. But laws alone don’t build equity. People do. You do. Fair housing is about ensuring that every buyer and renter, no matter their background, income level, race, gender identity, or ability, has access to a fair and transparent housing process. It’s about removing barriers, challenging bias, and expanding what’s possible for the communities you serve. Those values aren’t abstract. They show up in your conversations, your listings, and your care. And when you choose to lead with fairness, you help turn that promise into reality. You Have a Partner in This Work At Stellar MLS, we believe fairness in real estate begins with access to clear, accurate, and open information. We are committed to making the market work for everyone, and that starts with the tools and protections we provide. When you list a property in Stellar MLS, you create access. When you follow our compliance standards, you protect trust. When you use the data we maintain, you bring clarity to your customers’ biggest decisions. Our job is to support your mission. That’s why we offer over 30+ tools and services that are included with your MLS subscription. That’s why our customer service team is bilingual, local, and available six days a week. That’s why our entire organization is grounded in a simple belief: we succeed when you do. And it’s also why you have access to tools like Down Payment Resource (DPR) , a product designed to connect eligible buyers with the financial assistance they need to overcome one of the most common barriers to homeownership: the down payment. DPR is just one of the many powerful resources included in your Stellar MLS subscription—solutions that help you meet customers where they are and guide them toward what’s possible. By integrating DPR into your listings and customer conversations, you’re opening the door wider for individuals and families who may not realize help is available. These tools do more than enhance your service. They help you live out the mission of fair housing by making homeownership possible for more people in more communities. Because fairness is not just a policy. It’s a partnership that only succeeds when we all recognize its importance. Real Estate Can Be Isolating. But You Are Never Alone. This industry asks a lot of you. Some days feel like a sprint. Others, like an uphill climb. In between the showing schedules and negotiations, you are expected to guide, educate, advocate, and inspire. We see and admire that - know that we’re here to support you. When you work with Stellar, you are backed by a partner who understands your challenges and believes in your ability to meet them. You’re not just using a service. You’re part of a community built on shared values, shared responsibility, and a shared belief in doing the right thing. Let’s Keep Pushing Forward, Together Fair housing isn’t a one-time pledge; it requires daily work and diligence. And every listing you write, every customer you advise, every moment you choose integrity over convenience, you are helping to shape a fairer, more inclusive housing market. So, this April, we’re not just celebrating the anniversary of an act. We’re celebrating you. The change-maker. The truth-teller. The advocate for equity. Thank you for the work you do. For the lives you touch. And for standing firm in a fast-changing industry. At Stellar MLS, we are proud to stand with you. We’re for you. Learn more about the Fair Housing Act at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) .