Jim Helsel announces run for 2016 NAR presidency

Pennsylvania’s own Jim Helsel has announced his candidacy for the 2016 presidential election at the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

It was last in 1958 that a NAR president hailed from the Keystone State.

“We’re very excited to support Jim’s candidacy,” said PAR President Don Roth. We know how committed Jim is to REALTOR® interests, and we’re 100 percent behind him.”

Helsel, the current NAR treasurer and former PAR president, has long been a strong advocate for REALTOR® interests. He says his run for the NAR presidency is driven by his commitment to the association and its members.

“My passion was created by a lifetime dedicated to real estate and a three-generation family of REALTORS®,” he said. “I will harness that passion to work for and on behalf of all REALTORS® and our industry. I have the drive and ability to do this job and no one has more experience or the leadership skills needed to lead NAR in 2016.”

Helsel’s involvement in the REALTOR® association spans 35 years. He served as a member of the NAR board of directors for 20 years and as NAR treasurer for the last three years. In 2001, he served as regional vice president of Region 2 (New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania). He chaired the Real Property Operations Committee (RPOC) during the development and construction of NAR’s Washington, DC headquarters.

The president of PAR in 1994, Helsel also chaired PAR’s REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) for seven years and served on a number of committees. He was the recipient of PAR’s Distinguished Service Award in 2008 and was named PAR REALTOR® of the Year in 2001.

Greg Herb, NAR Region 2 vice president and former PAR president, is coordinating Helsel’s campaign, which will be formally announced at the NAR Convention in New Orleans in November. The final vote by the NAR board of directors will take place in 2013.

“We’re counting on PAR members to help Jim win this important election,” Herb said. “If you have the opportunity to spread the word to REALTORS® from across the nation, we can use your help.”