Canopy Realtor® Association has announced the appointment of Rob Nanfelt as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 4, 2027. Nanfelt succeeds current CEO Anne Marie DeCatsye, who is retiring from the position at the end of 2026 following 26 years of leadership. Nanfelt will also serve as CEO of Canopy Housing Foundation.
As CEO, Canopy noted that 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.”
Nanfelt’s 25 years of experience spans the disciplines of executive leadership, association management, strategic planning, government affairs, and public policy, as noted in a release.Â
In his previous position as Executive Director of the Real Estate & Building Industry Coalition (REBIC), Nanfelt worked with business executives, elected officials, and community leaders to address issues central to the Charlotte region’s economic vitality and long-term growth. Prior to this, he served as Executive Vice President and Government Affairs Director of the Colorado Association of Home Builders, forging new strategic initiatives and becoming a leader in innovation and policy advancement for the industry. Earlier in his career, Nanfelt held several positions on Capitol Hill, including Chief of Staff to U.S. Congressman Bob Schaffer of Colorado.
“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.”
Joan Goode, 2026 President of Canopy Realtor® Association, echoed DeCatsye’s sentiment, adding that Nanfelt’s appointment “reflects the Search Committee’s commitment to identifying a proven executive with the experience, relationships, and vision to lead Canopy into the future.”
“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,” she continued.
Canopy noted that Nanfelt’s appointment represents an important milestone in its 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,” she shared. “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.”
For more information, visit https://www.canopyrealtors.com/.
