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WASHINGTON — A Utah man who was president of the National Association of Realtors resigned Monday following a lawsuit and a New York Times article alleging that he sexually harassed female employees.
The Realtors association announced Kenny Parcell's resignation on its website, saying the organization vows to do better moving forward from the claims of sexual harassment.
A New York Times article published Saturday details accounts of more than two dozen current and former Realtors association members who said the organization had a "culture of fear," harassment and retaliation, and almost 20 accounts of members who said they endured sexual harassment.
Most of the claims were about Parcell, who allegedly sent inappropriate photos, made sexually suggestive comments and would ask female employees for sexual favors, according to the report.
The Times article describes the Realtors association as "a powerful nonprofit organization with more than $1 billion in assets that controls access to nearly every American home listing" and said it has "1.5 million dues-paying members, making it the largest professional organization in the country."
Parcell, a Realtor from Spanish Fork who was president of the Utah Association of Realtors in 2011, was referenced in a federal lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia that former employee Janelle Brevard filed against the National Association of Realtors in June. The lawsuit claims the association allowed a culture of discrimination to prevail despite employees reporting harassment.
The lawsuit says Brevard experienced sexual harassment, gender discrimination, race discrimination and retaliation by Parcell. She said she and Parcell were in a sexual relationship and when Brevard tried to end it, Parcell retaliated and "continued to engage in inappropriate sexual behavior."
Parcell excluded Brevard from meetings and work trips, "would disparage (Brevard) at every turn; and Parcell even made several threats to (Brevard) that he would terminate her employment," the lawsuit alleges.
According to the lawsuit, Brevard told attorneys who were hired in July 2022 (a month after she ended her relationship with Parcell) to investigate sexual harassment claims from three other female employees about Parcell's retaliation.
The lawsuit claims the three other female employees — who were all white — all spoke to the attorneys, but only Brevard — a Black woman — was fired. Parcell was president-elect at the time and had the authority to terminate or discipline employees.
Brevard dropped the lawsuit in July, only a week and a half after she filed it. According to the New York Times, Brevard dropped the suit after reaching a $107,000 settlement with the National Association of Realtors.
Parcell, who has served as the president of the association since November 2022, denied all the allegations in a letter of resignation he sent to the association's executive committee and board of directors on Monday.
"My resignation comes after a series of accusations against me that are categorically false," Parcell said in the letter. "I am deeply troubled by those looking to tarnish my character and mischaracterize my well-intended actions. During this experience, I've opened myself to listening and looking for ways to improve myself, but all I can do is tell the truth. I've been shocked by these false accusations, hurtful words, whispers and character assassination."
"Leadership is about making tough choices; this resignation signifies that I will put the organization's needs first to move forward above my own personal needs to stay in this position," Parcell added.
Parcell's biography on the association's website said he is the broker/owner of Equity Real Estate Utah and has sold more than 3,200 homes during his 25-year career.
President-elect Tracy Kasper is a 30-year real estate veteran from Boise who is stepping in as president following Parcell's resignation.
"First, let me say, I'm incredibly sorry for what's led us here," Kasper said in a statement. 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."
She said the association has taken everything to heart and is committed to fostering a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace.
"It is important to all of us at NAR that we take this moment to learn and focus on building a culture of comradery where we can do the good work we are all so passionate about. And, when an issue arises, that we all feel safe to say something," she said.
A number of real estate industry leaders called for Parcell's resignation over the weekend, asking for the Realtors association to hold Parcell accountable for his actions.
"I was very disturbed to read the New York Times report on the brazen attitudes and alleged behaviors of leaders at the National Association of Realtors. Given our predominantly female industry, I am incredibly disappointed by the reporter's allegations as NAR is supposed to be a guidepost for our industry," Sue Yannaccone, CEO of Anywhere Brands, said in a LinkedIn post.
She said she reached out to National Association of Realtors CEO Bob Goldberg to ask what the organization is doing to investigate and what action he will take against those who have participated in sexual harassment and discrimination.
"I stand with the women who have bravely spoken up about their painful, appalling experiences and commit to amplifying their voices to drive change. Acts of discrimination and harassment have no place in our industry, which values safety, integrity, and inclusivity. We must prioritize action over words as we work together to guide all people on one of life's greatest journeys: homeownership," she added.
