Merri Jo Cowen
Merri Jo Cowen is an esteemed thought leader in the real estate industry, renowned for her exceptional leadership at the helm of Stellar MLS, the largest and most influential MLS in Florida and Puerto Rico, and the third largest in the U.S. Since assuming the role as CEO in 2008, she has propelled Stellar MLS to unprecedented heights, expanding its customer base, shareholder organizations, and out-of-state and international data-share partnerships. Cowen’s visionary approach and strategic acumen were instrumental in successfully rebranding the MLS in 2019.
Cowen is a dedicated advocate for the advancement of the real estate profession. With a career spanning over four decades, Cowen’s journey in real estate showcases her enduring passion to the field. Her pioneering spirit was evident when she assumed the role of the inaugural CEO of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS in 2003. This early success laid the foundation for her impactful leadership at Stellar MLS.
Designations:
- Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS): CMLX1, CMLX2 and CMLX3
- National Association of Realtors (NAR): RCE, C2EX and ePro
- Real Estate Standards Board (RESO): RED-B
Affiliated Boards and Industry Associations:
- CMLS Board of Directors
- com Association Executives Advisory Group
- NAR MLS Executive Advisory Board
- NAR Board of Directors
- MLS Issues and Policy Committee
- AE Council
- MLS Grid Board of Managers
- Broker Public Portal Board of Managers (advisor)
- Real Estate Data Round Table
Cowen also sits on the Board of Directors of FIABCI-USA, the International Real Estate Federation, a business networking organization for real estate professionals worldwide. She is active in promoting the value of the MLS worldwide and in 2023 headlined an international MLS forum in Paris, France on the benefits of organized real estate and standardized data.
Cowen is noted as one of the most powerful and innovative leaders in the real estate industry, having received recognition from both the Swanepoel Power 200 and RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmakers numerous times. In 2024, Cowen she was ranked as the second-highest female executive in the Organized Real Estate Executives list, a subset of the Swanepoel Power 200. She also is a recipient of the Inman MLS Reinvented Award and the esteemed Peter Shuttleworth MLS Executive Award of Excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cowen is a philanthropic force, exemplified by her unwavering support of initiatives such as the Realtor Relief Fund, aiding communities in their recovery from natural disasters, and actively participating in RPAC, where she is a Sterling R or a Crystal R contributor. In 2023, she was pivotal in establishing the Stellar Cares charitable reserve, a testament to her commitment to community development and resilience
