November 13, 2026
Contact: Kim Walker, 704-940-3149

Executive with 25+ years of influential executive leadership to guide Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy Housing Foundation and advance their regional impact.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Canopy Realtor® Association has announced the appointment of Rob Nanfelt as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 4, 2027, succeeding CEO Anne Marie DeCatsye, who is retiring from the CEO position at the end of 2026 following 26 years of leadership. Nanfelt will also serve as CEO of Canopy Housing Foundation.

Nanfelt’s 25 years of experience spans the disciplines of executive leadership, association management, strategic planning, government affairs, and public policy. As Executive Director of the Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition (REBIC), he has established a respected presence in the Charlotte region through his extensive relationships across its business, civic, and real estate industry sectors.

At REBIC, Nanfelt's work with business executives, elected officials, and community leaders addresses issues central to the Charlotte region's economic vitality and long-term growth. His portfolio includes state and local infrastructure and transportation initiatives as well as economic development, housing affordability, land use priorities, and regional growth agendas. 

Nanfelt has also collaborated with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and other business organizations on policy issues integral to promoting the region's economic competitiveness and long-term prosperity.

"My hope was that the search committee would not simply find a successor, but secure someone with the vision, and experience needed to take Canopy to the next level." said DeCatsye. "I have tremendous confidence in his leadership, fresh perspective, established relationships, and his deep understanding of what it takes to leverage the opportunities ahead. I could not be more excited about Canopy's future, and I’m thrilled with the selection of Rob Nanfelt as our next CEO."

Prior to becoming REBIC's Executive Director in 2019, Nanfelt served as Executive Vice President and Government Affairs Director of the Colorado Association of Home Builders, forging new strategic initiatives and becoming a recognized leader in innovation and policy advancement for the industry. Earlier in his career, he held several positions on Capitol Hill, including Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Bob Schaffer of Colorado.

Nanfelt holds a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Houghton College and serves on the Advisory Board for the UNC Charlotte Childress Klein Center for Real Estate.

"Rob's selection reflects the Search Committee's commitment to identifying a proven executive with the experience, relationships, and vision to lead Canopy into the future," said Joan Goode, 2026 President of Canopy Realtor® Association. "He is exceptionally well positioned to strengthen Canopy's influence, advance its mission, support the success of our members, and build upon its respected legacy."

As CEO, Nanfelt will provide strategic and executive leadership to Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy Housing Foundation, working with their respective Boards to advance their missions, strengthen member value, expand community partnerships, and identify opportunities for innovation and organizational growth. The Canopy Housing Foundation will continue to have a dedicated Executive Director responsible for its programs and activities.

“Our region is strategically poised to grow our economic health within all real estate disciplines,” said Nanfelt. “By reinforcing the vital role government advocacy plays in supporting our industry, we can find solutions to critical issues and advance the real estate profession with a shared purpose. I look forward to galvanizing those strategic goals across the entire breadth of leadership here at Canopy.”

Among the strategic opportunities ahead are strengthening Canopy's position as a recognized leader in the global real estate profession. Specifically, through its established relationship with UNC Charlotte, Canopy can leverage the university's educational, research, and professional expertise towards a broader impact for our next real estate industry leaders.

Nanfelt's appointment represents an important milestone in Canopy's planned leadership transition. Beginning in 2027, Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS will operate under separate executive leadership and governance structures, allowing each organization to focus on its distinct mission while maintaining collaboration through shared leadership and administrative services. Steve Byrd, who became CEO of Canopy MLS in August 2026, will continue in that role.

For DeCatsye, the transition carries a personal connection.

"Before joining Canopy 26 years ago, I spent six years as Deputy Executive Director of REBIC, an experience that gave me a deep appreciation for advocacy and how it moves our industry forward." DeCatsye continues, "There is something wonderfully fitting about Rob following a similar path and I am delighted that he will lead with those ideals fully embedded in his mission for Canopy."

Canopy Realtor® Association is a trade association that provides its more than 13,000 Realtor® members with the resources and services they need to conduct ethical, professional, successful, and profitable businesses.  The Association is dedicated to being the region's primary resource for residential real estate information. The Association operates Canopy MLS, which has more than 21,000 subscribers and is the private cooperative real estate licensees use for access to tens of thousands of residential listings in a 26-county service area, including the Charlotte MSA, the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA, the Asheville MSA of North Carolina, York-Lancaster and Chester Counties in South Carolina and beyond.