Cliff Long from Orlando joined the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) in December 2017, with the responsibility of strengthening the organization so it could meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing regions in America. Since that time, he has led ORRA, the eighth largest REALTOR® association in America, through a period of expansion, stronger financial performance, and increased leadership in housing, advocacy, and regional cooperation. He brings more than 20 years of experience as a chief executive, working in both nonprofit and for-profit environments. Throughout his career, he has been known for helping organizations improve their performance during both challenges and opportunities. His leadership has helped organizations recover financially, create membership subsidiaries, and develop capital resources that support long-term stability. Cliff Long currently serves as CEO of ORRA and oversees an organization with an annual budget exceeding $13 million. The association includes nearly 40 staff members along with consultants who serve more than 20,000 real estate professionals. The organization provides services that include education programs, professional standards guidance, advocacy initiatives, international partnerships, and business development activities that benefit professionals across Central Florida. When he first became CEO, the association had approximately 14,500 members. During his leadership, membership increased to more than 20,000. This period marks the organization's largest growth stage in its history. Even during the challenges presented by COVID-19, the association continued to expand. In 2020 alone, membership grew by 11.5 percent, making the organization the fastest-growing mega association in America that year. This growth occurred through disciplined governance and an emphasis on measurable results. Realtor Cliff Long from Orlando worked to strengthen board member engagement while ensuring that long-term strategic priorities were clearly defined. Staff goals were aligned with objectives that supported members' success. This approach helped maintain stability while allowing the organization to expand. One of the most important achievements during his leadership was the purchase and relocation to a new headquarters. The organization moved into a 45,000-square-foot building designed to support education, collaboration, and professional events. He directed the financing, planning, and completion of the project. The building also includes tenant revenue space, which allows the association to diversify its income sources. Capital planning, coordination with lenders, and cooperation with the board were essential to completing the project. Today, the facility serves as a central location for professional activities across Central Florida. In addition to his responsibilities within the association, he also serves as President and CEO of the organization’s for-profit subsidiary, the Orlando Regional Real Estate Network (ORREN). Cliff also serves as the association’s foundation's CEO. These roles allow him to coordinate business development, mission-driven initiatives, and community investment efforts under one strategic direction. Financial discipline has remained an important part of his leadership approach. Within the association’s for-profit division, he reduced operating losses during his first year and increased non-dues revenue by developing new services and partnerships. One of the initiatives created during this period was Platinum Key Title Company. This effort created an additional revenue source and helped reduce reliance on membership dues. Earlier in his career, Cliff Long achieved similar results at the Birmingham Association of REALTORS®. During his leadership there, he eliminated a multi-year deficit within three years. Non-dues revenue increased by more than 200 percent. He also established Greater Alabama MLS as a wholly owned subsidiary and guided both the association and the MLS to a zero-debt position. These accomplishments required restructuring budgets, renegotiating vendor agreements, and developing effective leadership teams within the organization. At the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®, he tripled the year-end operating surplus within 18 months. During the same period, the organization reached 156 percent of its PAC fundraising goal. This success supported stronger advocacy outcomes for members across Florida. In every organization where he has served as President, he has emphasized the importance of building financial stability. His approach focuses on ensuring that boards can operate from a position of strength rather than responding to financial pressure. As a real estate leader in Orlando, Cliff has worked to strengthen the association’s role in public policy discussions. Under his leadership, participation in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee increased, and engagement with elected leaders strengthened. He also organized international trade missions that connected Central Florida with real estate markets in Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America. His contributions have been recognized both regionally and nationally. He was named CEO of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2014 and later received the same recognition from the Orlando Business Journal in 2019. He has also received Global Diamond, Gold, and Silver Awards from the National Association of REALTORS®. In addition, he has served on the NAR Executive Committee. Orlando Magazine also recognized him as one of Central Florida’s 50 Most Powerful People because he influenced the region’s economy. His professional designations include REALTOR® Certified Executive, Certified International Property Specialist, At Home with Diversity certification, and the NAR Professional Standards Certification. These credentials reflect his commitment to professional governance and responsible leadership. His involvement in the community extends beyond the real estate profession. In Orlando, he serves on the Executive Committee of the Orlando Economic Partnership. Cliff Long from Orlando also serves on the Board of Directors of Florida Citrus Sports and participates on several other boards. In addition, he has served as a School Board Trustee for Orange County Public Schools, supporting public education and workforce development. He also founded the Junior Reserve Law Enforcement Program. This program was created to provide young people who are interested in careers in law enforcement with opportunities to earn certifications, gain exposure, and receive mentorship. The program was designed to build connections between young people and law enforcement while also encouraging long-term career opportunities. Mentorship has been an important part of his leadership approach. Recognizing that there are not many African American CEOs leading large REALTOR® associations, he actively mentors emerging leaders and encourages professionals to consider executive leadership roles. His support has helped many individuals prepare for leadership responsibilities. Cliff Long often says that his role as a husband of more than 25 years and as a father is the most important responsibility in his life. This perspective shapes how he approaches leadership and professional relationships. Stability, direct communication, and long-term partnerships remain important values in his leadership style. Outside of his professional work, he spends time riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing, reading leadership books, traveling, and maintaining a disciplined health and fitness routine. His career reflects consistent performance, thoughtful governance, and a clear sense of responsibility toward organizations and communities. Through steady leadership and careful planning, he has helped organizations grow stronger and remain prepared to serve their members and communities well into the future. The work and leadership of Cliff Long from Orlando continue to demonstrate commitment to service and responsible organizational growth.