Kathy Nichelson was officially named chief executive officer and association executive for the Capital Area REALTORS® (CAR) Wednesday after a vote by the CAR Board of Directors. She’d served 10 weeks as acting CEO.

Nichelson began her 35-year association career in 1995 as administrative assistant to the CEO. Her responsibilities grew to include oversight of various membership programs, communications, education, website management and professional standards administration. Prior to taking the interim position, she held the title of director of member service.  She earned the REALTOR® Association Executive (RCE) designation through the National Association of REALTORS® in 2016.

“After a thorough and deliberate review of Nichelson’s qualifications and the needs of CAR, the board of directors is pleased that she will provide the continuity needed as we move closer to finalizing our MLS merger with three other associations. Her understanding of emerging real estate trends and the REALTOR® organization along with her extensive experience and vast network within our industry made her appointment as CEO an easy decision for us,” said CAR President Nicholas Campo.

“I am honored to be provided the opportunity to serve as CEO and look forward to the challenge of ensuring that we remain an industry leader,” said Nichelson.

Nichelson was key to developing CAR’s annual “Charity of Choice” program.  Through an application process, CAR’s Community Service Committee chooses one local charitable organization each year that will benefit from CAR’s fundraising efforts.  CAR has raised more than $175,000 for local charities since implementing the program.

In July, CEO Daniel Sale announced he was leaving CAR to take a position with the St. Louis Association of REALTORS®. On Sept. 1, Nichelson was named acting CEO.