Head of national real estate group resigns following harassment claims

The head of an influential American realtors group resigned after The New York Times reported on allegations of sexual harassment and a culture of fear at the organization.

Kenny Parcell, president of the National Association of Realtors, stepped down on Monday, according to Mantill Williams, a spokesperson for the Chicago-based group, which controls access to home listings across the U.S.

Parcell, a broker and owner of Equity Real Estate Utah, wrote a letter to NAR’s executive committee and board, explaining his reasons for resigning and saying the allegations were false, according to RISMedia, which first reported the communication.

Tracy Kasper, NAR’s president-elect, will take over and she immediately expressed contrition over the situation.

“We recognize there is lots of concern, anger and disappointment, and we want to acknowledge the people who have come forward and shared their stories and those of you who have shared your perspective over the past few days,” Kasper said in a statement.

Isis Almeida, Bloomberg News