Leadership transitions carry real weight inside a brokerage. A firm can adjust to new tools or shifting market conditions, yet when leadership changes, the entire organization feels it. Whether a brokerage remains steady at that moment depends on how intentionally the transition is handled. Agents look for continuity when a leader announces plans to step away, and if that sense of stability is not clearly reinforced, trust can begin to erode in ways that are difficult to repair later.

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. Agents and brokers don't simply show houses; they identify market signals, manage hundreds of moving parts and protect clients from surprises along the way. Behind every successful transaction is a key ingredient many consumers may not think about—accurate, reliable MLS data. It's the foundation that allows you to answer questions with confidence, explain options clearly and help clients move forward with certainty. The Opportunity Is in the Questions Consumers are more informed than ever, and they're asking more questions: "Where does this data come from?" and "Can I just search for homes online?" These questions aren't a threat to your expertise; they're an opportunity to demonstrate it. Most consumers don't fully understand how real estate data flows through the market. Consumer-facing portals play an important role in the home-search process. They help people explore neighborhoods, get inspired and begin their journey. Many of those sites display data that originates from MLSs, including Stellar MLS. What clients don't often realize is that there's a difference between where listing information is created and where it simply gets displayed. The MLS is the source where listings are created, updated in real time by licensed professionals and maintained with enforced accuracy standards. Consumer sites are downstream channels, which means there can be delays, variations or gaps between what you see as a professional and what appears publicly. When you explain the difference between the source and the display, clients begin to understand why your access to the source matters—and why your guidance is essential. The Value of the MLS While not all MLSs operate the same way, the value of the MLS is clear and easy to explain to your clients. Coverage: A wide, consistent regional footprint reduces gaps when comparing properties across nearby markets. Accuracy standards : Enforced data standards and professional input mean fewer errors and more trustworthy comparisons. Active maintenance: Real-time updates and oversight reduce mismatches and outdated information. In practice, this means fewer conversations about why an "available" home is under contract or why pricing data doesn't align. You're able to answer questions more confidently because the MLS supports your work behind the scenes, allowing you to focus on advising, negotiating and guiding clients. How to Share Value With Clients When explaining an MLS to clients, it helps to focus on how it supports your day-to-day work. One simple way to frame that conversation is to explain the MLS as the source behind your advice: "The MLS is what allows me to give you the most up-to-date view of the market. It's a shared system used by licensed professionals to create, update and maintain listings with enforced accuracy standards. That means when I talk to you about pricing or market trends, I'm using information that reflects what's actually happening." As clients begin to understand the MLS as part of the framework behind your advice, the conversation naturally shifts.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla., March 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellar MLS announced the official appointment of Shayne Fairley, a longtime leader within the organization, as Chief Executive Officer. For more than two decades, Fairley has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of Stellar MLS, the largest multiple listing service in Florida and Puerto Rico, and one of the most influential in the United States. After joining Stellar MLS in May 2005, Fairley advanced through roles in training, compliance, data services, and operations. This progression gave him a deep, firsthand understanding of the organization and its various stakeholders. Since being named Chief Operations Officer in 2017, he has led strategic operational growth, championed customer-focused initiatives, and played a central role in elevating Stellar MLS's national and global presence. In July 2025, Stellar MLS announced Fairley would be the successor to the then CEO, Merri Jo Cowen, who will continue to serve in a strategic advisory role while also transitioning to a full-time leadership role at Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), the organization's global MLS advisory subsidiary that launched in 2024. "Shayne possesses a deep understanding of Stellar MLS and a leadership style rooted in trust, innovation, and service, which will serve him well as he steps into the role of CEO," said Cowen. "Over the last few months, as we have been preparing for this transition, he has proven to be the best person for the job. I have every confidence that he will build on our strong foundation and continue to lead the organization forward." Fairley has been instrumental in shaping Stellar MLS's vision and advancing its mission to deliver innovative solutions and trusted, standardized data to more than 80,000 customers across Orlando, Tampa, and other areas of Florida, as well as Puerto Rico. Under his leadership, Stellar MLS will continue to expand customer value, set new benchmarks for MLS excellence, and invest in tools that ensure seamless, equitable access to its products and services. Fairley has nurtured a company culture that drives Stellar MLS's ongoing success and growth in the industry. He has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity and consistently demonstrates his commitment to the professional development and well-being of his team. Stellar MLS has been recognized for its efforts in empowering individuals and fostering a sense of shared purpose, having received the Top Workplaces honor from The Orlando Sentinel for four consecutive years (2022–2025). In 2026, Fairley was elected to the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) Board of Directors, furthering his commitment to the broader real estate industry. He also serves on the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) Board of Directors, collaborating with industry peers to advance technology and data standards. Outside of day-to-day operations, Fairley is active in Stellar MLS's philanthropic efforts through Stellar Cares, supporting community and real estate organizations through initiatives such as Clean Up Florida Waters and Special Olympics Florida. "I am excited about the next stage of Stellar MLS's successful journey, and I look forward to continuing to focus on the priorities we have held for many years: putting our customers first, advancing innovation, and continuing to lead the MLS forward as we help shape the future of real estate in the markets we serve," said Fairley. "I've had the privilege of working closely with Merri Jo for more than 17 years. She leads with vision and heart, and that balance of strategy and genuine care is something I intend to carry forward. My focus will be on delivering exceptional value to our brokers while continuing to position Stellar MLS to lead as the industry evolves." 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.

ATLANTA, Ga., Feb. 24, 2026 — Down Payment Resource (DPR), the housing industry’s leading technology for connecting homebuyers with homebuyer assistance programs, today announced that 40-year industry veteran Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS, is the recipient of the 2025 Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award. Now in its ninth year, the Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Leadership Award recognizes an individual or organization that has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing housing affordability. DPR created the award in memory of one of its first employees, Beverly Faull, whose dedication to improving access to homebuyer assistance programs helped shape the company’s mission. DPR will donate $5,000 to a housing nonprofit of Cowen’s choice. Cowen’s career began in the early 1980s at the Reno Sparks Board of Realtors®, where she rose from data entry to MLS director and later led the creation of a regional MLS serving Reno and Carson City. In 2003, she became the inaugural CEO of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS. She joined MidFlorida Regional MLS in 2008 as CEO and guided its rebrand to Stellar MLS in 2019. Stellar MLS is now the third largest MLS in the United States, serving more than 80,000 subscribers. Under Cowen’s leadership, Stellar MLS has prioritized equity, accessibility and the responsible use of technology to reduce barriers to homeownership. With DPR’s software tools integrated into its MLS, agents can identify more than 80% of properties in the database that qualify for down payment programs. Through ongoing education, marketing and product adoption, more than 158,000 agents, brokers and consumers have engaged with DPR tools over the past year. Cowen also founded Stellar Cares, a charitable arm of Stellar MLS, to support housing and community organizations. Since its 2023 launch, Stellar Cares has distributed $500,000 to 34 organizations, including $229,500 dedicated to affordable housing initiatives focused on housing stability education and community resilience. In addition, Cowen has led initiatives that strengthen fair housing and data transparency, including Stellar MLS’s conversion to the RESO Data Dictionary, reciprocal MLS access agreements spanning 11 states and 17 countries and consumer tools such as Finding Homes, a voice-enabled home search platform for people with visual impairments, and SkySlope Offers, which helps reduce bias by concealing buyer names. Cowen has served twice as president of the Council of Multiple Listing Services and contributes to numerous national and international industry organizations. “Merri Jo’s career has been defined by service innovation and a deep belief that fair access to housing data and resources creates stronger communities,” said Rob Chrane, DPR’s founder and CEO. “Through her leadership at Stellar MLS, she has expanded opportunities for first-time and underserved buyers while setting a powerful example of how technology and purpose can work together to advance housing affordability.” ABOUT DOWN PAYMENT RESOURCE: Down Payment Resource (DPR) is the housing industry authority on homebuyer assistance program data and solutions. With a database that tracks more than 2,600 programs and toolsets for mortgage lenders, multiple listing services (MLSs) and API users, DPR helps housing professionals connect homebuyers with the assistance they need. DPR frequently lends its expertise to nonprofits, housing finance agencies, policymakers, government-sponsored enterprises and trade organizations seeking to improve housing affordability. Its technology is used by seven of the top 25 mortgage lenders, two of the largest real estate listing websites and 600,000 real estate agents. For more information, visit www.downpaymentresource.com/ .

Stellar MLS is committed to supporting its customers and strengthening the real estate industry. The leadership team at Stellar MLS actively participates in meaningful conversations about where the industry has been and where it’s headed, helping ensure that the needs of real estate professionals remain front and center. The recognitions and milestones highlighted here reflect the work of our executive team and the organization as a whole, and they align with one of our core principles: we succeed when you do. Merri Jo Cowen: Stellar MLS CEO Merri Jo Cowen was recognized again as one of real estate’s most influential executives throughout 2025. Her leadership was honored in multiple industry forums: • Inman Power Executives Award — Merri Jo was named among the Inman Power Players / Power Executives for 2026. • CMLS Hall of Fame Induction — She was formally inducted into the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) Hall of Fame in late 2025, underscoring her long-standing contributions to the MLS profession. • RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker - Merri Jo was recognized as a RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker, reflecting her ongoing role in industry dialogue and leadership. • Beverly Faull Affordable Housing Award — Recognized by Down Payment Resource as a leader in advocating for affordable housing. Shayne Fairley: Stellar MLS Chief Operating Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer, Shayne Fairley added to his list of accolades in 2025, further signaling his growing influence as an industry leader: • Inman Power Executives Award — Shayne also received recognition as part of the Inman Power Players / Power Executives cohort for 2025, affirming his role as a technology-forward leader driving operational innovation. • SP200 Watchlist — Shayne was named to the Swanepoel Power 200 Watchlist, spotlighting executives anticipated to grow in influence. • RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker - Shayne was also recognized as a RISMedia Real Estate Newsmaker, highlighting his contributions to industry progress and collaboration Looking ahead, Stellar MLS remains focused on what matters most to the professionals it serves: practical solutions, clear direction, and consistent support. As the industry continues to evolve, Stellar MLS is committed to moving forward alongside its customers: listening, adapting, and helping create opportunities for success in every market it serves.