A Sault Ste. Marie Realtor has been named president of the Ontario Real Estate Association following the organization’s annual general meeting.
Kim Fairley officially assumed the role March 12, succeeding Rick Kedzior, who moves into the immediate past-president position on the board. Fairley will represent the association’s nearly 100,000 members across the province.
The appointment comes amid a period of leadership transition at OREA; Fairley stepped up from president-elect after former president Cathy Polan was appointed interim CEO following the departure of Luigi Favaro. OREA confirmed Favaro would not be returning after a leave of absence that began in November. The board has launched a formal CEO search.
Fairley’s priorities
“I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of OREA president in 2026, working with our members, member boards, and organization real estate partners to strengthen the profession and bring affordability back within reach for the next generation,” Fairley said in a press release.
Her priorities include advocating for policies to increase housing supply and reduce barriers to construction, while also working to strengthen transparency and public confidence in Ontario’s real estate market.
Millbrook-based broker of record Meredith Kennedy was elected president-elect and will serve as provincial director for Central Ontario. Kennedy said the association would continue to push for policies that increase the supply of homes across the housing spectrum.
“Throughout Ontario, we need more affordable and accessible supply across the housing spectrum, so families of every size can find a great place to call home,” Kennedy said.
New directors elected to OREA board
Three new directors joined the board: Curtis Fillier, Wasim Jarrah and Stan Reljic, all as directors-at-large.
Returning board members include Paul Etherington, director-at-large; Tehreem Kamal, provincial director for Central Ontario; Mark Malinoff, provincial director for Eastern Ontario; Don McColl, provincial director for Northeastern Ontario; Randy Pawlowski, provincial director for Western Ontario; Dustin Davis, provincial director for Southern Ontario; and Ryan Humble, provincial director for Northern Ontario.
