Christopher G. Raad Installed as PAR’s 98th President

Greater Lehigh Valley Realtor® Christopher G. Raad was installed as the 2021 president of the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® in a virtual ceremony yesterday.

NAR President Charlie Oppler was on hand to welcome PAR members and he offered thanks to 2020 President William Festa for his leadership during trying times and extended well wishes to Raad on his presidency. Oppler also issued the oath of office to Chris Beadling as president-elect, Al Perry as first vice president, Preston Moore as treasurer, and district vice presidents Heather Petrone-Shook (District 1), Kenneth Enochs Jr. (District 2), Kevin McPheeters (District 3), Merlin Weaver (District 4), Sherrie Miller (District 5), Jodi Diego (District 6), Dot Rhone (District 7), Marc McMaster (District 8), Joe Carofino (District 9) and David Dean (District 10).

Raad’s father George, a fellow Realtor®, installed his son as president. Describing it as a “proud day,” George commended his son for his qualities, calling Raad “knowledgeable, hardworking, a tireless leader, loyal, sincere, honest and highly respected.”

Raad has been in the real estate business since 1999, when he joined his family’s business, the Harvey Z. Raad Realtors® in Allentown. Raad is a past president of his local association, the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors® and has been a member of the PAR and NAR board of directors, along with being an RPAC major investor, since 2015.

“When I initially envisioned my installation, I can honestly say I had a slightly different -OK, a completely different – picture in my mind. But as all of you know, we, as Realtors®, must be resilient, and adapt to any situation or challenge, whether it is with clients, the properties we are showing or in our local or state associations. I would like to personally thank you for joining us for the first ever PAR virtual installation. I know we would all rather be together in person, but I appreciate you celebrating this event with me, as it is my tremendous honor and privilege in 2021 to represent the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors® as the 98^th president,” said Raad.

“Our industry drives the economy, helps businesses succeed and provides the necessary shelter for families, having a profound impact on our communities,” added Raad. “As Realtors®, we help consumers across the commonwealth realize the American dream of homeownership as they make one of the largest investments of their lives. I encourage each and every one of you to strive to be the professional you would want to work with by holding yourself to the highest standard of practice deemed by our code of ethics. We have an obligation to do better, to be better and to provide the best service not only to our clients, but to our colleagues, and our community.”

Raad also had special congratulatory videos from his wife, Gretchen and daughter, Stella, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R- Berks and Lehigh), U.S. Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA 7^th District), the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors®, actor Ian Ziering, actor Sean Astin and football star Brett Farve.

“As we begin a new year we also must embrace it with the same energy, excitement and enthusiasm as we may have in years past,” said Raad. “We must seek to inspire, encourage, reinvigorate and be a champion of this great industry that we have so much passion and love for.”