Daily Real Estate News  |  November 16, 2007  |   NAR Inaugurates Its 100th President
To the hand-clapping rhythms of Sister Sledge’s “We are family,” NAR inaugurated its 100th president, Richard F. “Dick” Gaylord, on Monday night.

The same spirit of inclusiveness that marked Thursday’s inaugural festivities will be the hallmark of Gaylord’s presidency, which will officially begin on Nov. 17.

“I believe there’s nothing we can’t accomplish when we work all together,” Gaylord told the more than 2,000 REALTORSŪ and friends who attended the gala event. Gaylord was sworn into office by two California congressional representatives and friends, Rep. Adam Schiff and Rep. Kevin McCarthy.

“It’s a great tribute to Dick Gaylord and to NAR that representatives from both parties are sharing the stage tonight,” said McCarthy. “The path to the future isn’t always clearly marked, but with a leader like Dick Gaylord, who’s so well-respected in his profession and on Capitol Hill, I know we’ll be able to work together with NAR to build the foundation of a second century of innovation,” said Schiff.

The swearing in ceremony was preceded by installation of NAR’s 2008 regional vice presidents by 1999 President Sharon Millett and of the 2008 vice presidents and liaisons by 2001 President Richard Mendenhall. With a catch in his voice, Mendenhall first paid a Veteran’s Day tribute to the veterans past and present who gave their all to defend our country.

Quoting Isiah 6:8, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!,’” Mendenhall, who served in the U.S. Special Forces, noted these brave individuals had answered the call without weighing the cost. NAR’s leadership team has answered a similar call to serve the association and its members, he added.

Gaylord made a commitment to inclusion, expressing his determination that leadership team members participate in all the decision making and activities of his presidency. “I believe in
shared leadership,” he said.

President-elect Charles McMillan, First Vice President Vicki Cox Golder, Vice President and Liasion to Committees Mark Foreman, and Vice President and Liaison to Government Affairs Bob Kulick will each focus on areas of particular expertise, providing a stronger total team to carry out all NAR’s initiatives. Inclusion also means fine tun-ing NAR’s priorities and processes to reflect current member concerns.

“I want to make the members the focus of my presidency,” Gaylord said. He plans to spend much of his time at regional and local meetings listening to members and learning first-hand what NAR can do to help them.

Gaylord’s ability to unite divergent individuals was echoed in a video in which Gaylord’s friends and olleagues from California paid tribute to him. “He is a man who really brings everyone together, said Allen Okamoto, founder and chairman of the board of the Asian Real Estate Association. Others commented on Gaylord’s nonstop energy. “He ought to have a phone implanted in his head,” joked Richard Rosenthal, NAR’s 2008 liaison for special projects. “I’ve never seen someone make so many phone calls.”

Another moment of inspiration was provided by Mark Miscevic — an old friend of Gaylord — who had miraculously survived a skydiving accident. “Dick is the kind of individual who can create movements. He doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer,” said the former REALTORŪ, who had to relearn to walk and talk after his accident. “I attribute my recovery in part to the qualities of determination I learned working with Dick.”

Concluding the evening, Gaylord returned to his theme of “All Together.” Quoting Helen Keller, he told the crowd, “I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. I will not refuse to do something that I can do.” If the standing ovation that followed is any indicator, this crowd seemed to think that Gaylord could do whatever he set his mind on.

— REALTORŪ Magazine Online