Jennifer Armandi, the newly appointed CEO of the Park City Board of Realtors, has officially taken the reins, transitioning from the coastal shores of Cape Cod to the breathtaking mountains of Utah. After stepping into her role in October, following the departure of former CEO Jamie Johnson, Armandi has made it clear that her foremost priority is to foster open lines of communication with the board’s members and to gain a deeper understanding of both the association and the community she now serves. Having spent years in the real estate sector in Massachusetts, Armandi brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She earned her real estate license in 2005 with aspirations of becoming a leading agent in Cape Cod. However, the 2008 mortgage crisis prompted her to shift her focus to banking and lending, where she eventually ascended to branch management. After returning to the real estate field, she managed one of the most successful brokerage offices in her area and played a pivotal role in leading nearly 50 agents. Her previous position as Vice President of Programs and Engagement for the Cape Cod and Islands Association of Realtors has equipped her with the necessary skills to navigate her new responsibilities in Park City. Armandi acknowledges the stark differences between Cape Cod and Park City, yet she believes that the core elements of effective leadership in a local association transcend geographical boundaries. "You wouldn’t necessarily think of Cape Cod and Park City in the same sentence,” she noted. “They look different. Our states are different, our laws are different, but the tenet of what is required of leadership at a local association like Park City was something I was very familiar and very comfortable with." In her initial months, Armandi has emphasized the importance of building trust among the board members and absorbing as much information as possible about the local landscape before implementing any major changes. She recognizes that the Park City Board of Realtors has undergone significant changes recently and aims to execute current initiatives thoughtfully and effectively. “There’s been a lot of change lately,” she remarked. “So what we need to do is execute what we can do very well, and do it thoughtfully.” A central focus of Armandi's vision is to revitalize the Board of Realtors’ committee structure. She believes that these committees are essential for member engagement and serve as a breeding ground for future leaders within the organization. “Associations don’t run without volunteer leaders,” she emphasized. “They’re the heartbeat of what we do.” By creating clearer pathways for members to engage in committee work, Armandi aims to strengthen advocacy efforts, particularly around the pressing issue of housing affordability. "Whatever we build has to be able to carry forward,” she explained. “No matter who the CEO is, no matter who’s on the board.” This forward-thinking approach underscores her commitment to ensuring that the association remains effective and relevant, regardless of leadership changes. Armandi has also highlighted the critical issue of housing affordability in Park City, noting that the strain is evident throughout the community. She pointed out that essential workers, such as teachers, firefighters, and hospitality staff, are increasingly unable to afford to live in the same area where they work. "If we don’t have people that work at all levels living in our community, the very nature of our tourism economy goes down the drain,” she stated, drawing on her experiences in Cape Cod where staffing shortages had tangible impacts on local businesses. While acknowledging that the Board of Realtors cannot single-handedly resolve the affordable housing crisis, Armandi is determined to empower members to shape policy and advocate for local voices. She stressed the importance of supporting pathways to homeownership for residents at all income levels, citing alarming statistics that reveal the average age of a first-time homebuyer has now reached 48 years. “Homeownership shouldn’t just be a dream for people with deep pockets,” she asserted. As Armandi settles into her new role, she is actively engaging with the community, attending broker meetings, and participating in association events. Her family is navigating a bi-coastal routine for the time being, as her husband and son remain in Cape Cod during the school year. Despite the challenges of transitioning to a new environment, Armandi describes her experience in Park City as both an adjustment and an adventure. “I love anything that’s adventurous,” she noted, expressing her eagerness to explore the outdoor activities that the mountain town has to offer. In conclusion, Jennifer Armandi’s first few months as CEO of the Park City Board of Realtors signal a new chapter for the organization, focused on member engagement, community understanding, and addressing critical issues such as housing affordability. With a clear vision and a commitment to fostering collaboration among members, Armandi aims to make a lasting impact in her new role while navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with the territory of Park City’s unique real estate landscape.