Teresa King Kinney, a significant figure in the real estate sector, has announced her retirement as the CEO of the MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI) after a remarkable tenure of over 33 years. Kinney plans to step down at the end of 2026, marking the conclusion of her leadership of the largest local Realtor association in the United States. The organization has engaged a national search firm to identify her successor.
In a statement, Kinney expressed her gratitude for her time in leadership, stating, “These have been the most exciting years of my life so far. I will be leaving one of the largest, most innovative and successful organizations in the best shape ever to move forward.” Following her retirement, she will assume the title of CEO Emeritus and engage in a one-year consulting role to ensure a smooth transition.
A Legacy of Transformation
Kinney’s leadership has been transformative; she took MIAMI from a medium-sized association in the early 1990s to an award-winning entity with over 60,000 members today. Under her guidance, MIAMI has positioned Miami as a global real estate hub, showcasing the city at major international events and fostering significant global business connections.
Alfredo Pujol, the 2026 Chairman of the Board, praised Kinney’s dedication, noting, “Her work ethic and passion for the job are legendary.” He emphasized that her efforts have not only benefited Miami but also influenced the broader real estate industry through her collaborative leadership.
During her time at MIAMI, Kinney oversaw the creation of the MIAMI Global Headquarters, which opened two years ago and serves as a resource for members. The headquarters has been instrumental in providing access to world-class education and networking opportunities. MIAMI is also on the verge of signing its 300th global partnership, further solidifying its international reach.
Kinney began her career in real estate in St. Joseph, Missouri, where she worked for 21 years before joining MIAMI in August 1993. At that time, the association had just 5,000 members and one office. Now, it boasts the fourth-largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) in the United States and is larger than 44 state associations.
Innovative Approaches and Global Initiatives
Throughout her tenure, Kinney has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have shaped MIAMI’s success. In 1996, MIAMI became the first large market to list properties online with the launch of Realtor.com. The following year, she led a significant merger that combined MIAMI with the Miami-Dade County Association, making it the largest local Realtor association at that time.
Kinney’s philosophy of embracing innovation and collaboration has driven MIAMI’s ability to adapt and thrive. Her leadership has fostered a culture of agility, enabling the organization to respond swiftly to industry changes, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. MIAMI transitioned to virtual operations almost immediately, demonstrating Kinney’s commitment to supporting its members.
Her global outreach efforts have established MIAMI as a leader in international real estate. Kinney initiated MIAMI Global in 1996, forming its first international agreement with SECOVI-SP in Brazil. Today, MIAMI maintains nearly 300 global partnerships across 77 countries, connecting local properties with over 2 million real estate professionals worldwide.
Kinney’s impact extends beyond operational achievements; she has been recognized for her contributions with over 50 awards, including the prestigious National Association of Realtors (NAR) William R. Magel Award of Excellence in 2019.
As she prepares to pass the torch, Kinney emphasizes the importance of collaboration and innovation in the real estate industry. She has consistently credited the leaders before her, stating, “We stand on the shoulders of giants.”
The MIAMI Association of Realtors, established in 1920, continues to celebrate its legacy while looking forward to future growth under new leadership.
