Sherry Chris, president of Real Living Network Services, named to top post of Realty AllianceColumbus, Ohio (December, 2004) – Real Living, the fifth-largest residential real estate firm in the United States, today announced that Sherry Chris, president of Real Living Network Services, will serve as 2005 chairperson of The Realty Alliance, one of the nation’s leading consortiums of real estate brokers. Chris will be the organization’s first female chairperson.The Realty Alliance was launched in 1997 to serve as an idea-sharing group for independent real estate brokers throughout the United States and Canada. Chris was elected to the position by colleagues and peers in the Realty Alliance, who vote annually to elect a new chairperson to lead the organization’s development. Peter Helie of Prudential Connecticut Realty will serve as vice chairman, Charles McKee will continue to serve as president and CEO and Harold Crye of Crye-Leike Realtors will serve as secretary/treasurer. Chris will continue to serve her role as president of Real Living Network Services as she begins serving as chairperson of the Realty Alliance. "Sherry was elected to the position of chairman because she is a proven leader with great real estate knowledge and expertise along with the ability to communicate at all levels of the industry,” said McKee. “We’re excited about what her leadership will bring to the organization in 2005, and we look forward to working together to continue to help leading independent real estate brokers grow and prosper as our industry continues to evolve."Chris, a 20-year veteran of the real estate industry, said that she has enjoyed being part of The Realty Alliance for the past six years, and that she’s looking forward to her new role as chairperson."The Realty Alliance has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years, partially as a result of a change in the entry requirements, but also because brokers recognize the importance of belonging to strong lobbying organization in these times of change,” said Chris. “One of the challenges the organization will face in the coming year will be putting together a strategy to allow the organization to meet the needs of all members. I look forward to working with the board of directors to proactive respond to that challenge, and to ensure that The Realty Alliance continues to deliver value and insight to its valued members."Chris is actively involved in leadership roles throughout the real estate industry, having served on the board of directors of the Realty Alliance for three years and having been a member of the Realty Alliance for six years. Additionally, she is a member of the National Association of Realtors, and speaks frequently at industry events sponsored by Inman News, RISMedia and REAL Trends, among others. Chris is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and holds a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from the Ivey School of Business. About The Realty AllianceThe Realty Alliance is an eight-year-old international organization composed of 67 of the major real estate brokers across America and Canada. For the year 2003 the 67 brokers produced closed sales volume in excess of 5 billion which represented 898,500 transactions and over 86,000 agents. The Realty Alliance provides strategic ideas, discussion formats, timely information and benchmarking to assist its members in growing their member companies profitably.About Real Living, Inc.The largest residential real estate firm in the Midwest and the fifth-largest in the country, Real Living boasts nearly 5,000 sales associates and employees, nearly billion in annual sales, and more than 100 offices throughout the Midwest and Florida. Real Living also offers a full range of affiliated business services, including home financing, title, relocation, corporate relocation management, auctions and home warranties. For more information, or to learn more about career or Network Partnership opportunities with Real Living, visit www.realliving.com.