SPAAR announces new CEO

Dear SPAAR Members,

It is my pleasure to announce that Gabe Walsh has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer with SPAAR!

Following the death of SPAAR CEO John Fridlington at the start of this year, a search committee was tasked with following SPAAR’s succession plan to find a new CEO. A nationwide search and subsequent interviews resulted in Gabe being the right fit to lead SPAAR.

Prior to entering the Realtor® Association industry, Gabe worked as an attorney at a law firm in Des Moines, Iowa. He then joined the Iowa Association of REALTORS® as General Counsel. In 2022, Gabe transitioned from Iowa to Minnesota where he became CEO of the Lake Superior Area REALTORS®.

In addition to being CEO, Gabe serves the Realtor® industry in many volunteer capacities including as chair of the Minnesota Realtors® AE Committee, serving on the Minnesota Realtors® Board of Directors and Executive Committee. He is also vice chair of NAR’s AEC Volunteer Leadership Advisory Board.

Gabe will join the SPAAR staff effective on July 1, 2024. In the meantime, Gabe, along with his spouse, Logan, will be relocating to the Twin Cities.

I hope you’ll join me in welcoming Gabe to SPAAR. Together, SPAAR will continue partnering with you in your business success. We have a bright future ahead!

Sincerely,

Amy Peterson

2024 SPAAR President