Philadelphia Realtor® Installed as 97th President

PAR kicked off its 100th anniversary with Philadelphia Realtor® William Festa taking the helm of the association. Festa was installed by his wife, Nancy, to serve as the 2020 president of the association during a ceremony last night in Harrisburg.

“PAR has a rich history, a history of advocating on behalf of private property rights and homeownership and representing our 35,000 members,” Festa noted. “Together, we’ve affected state legislation to protect both our members and property owners. And our association has created forms to allow our members to conduct business, as well as providing a host of other member benefits. These are accomplishments that should be recognized and celebrated during our milestone anniversary year.”

Festa reflected on the changes the industry has experienced. “I’ve been a Realtor® for more than 40 years and I know I don’t operate my business the same way I did when I started,” he said. “Think of the changes our industry has seen over the past decades. Many of us couldn’t have imaged a world without our MLS books and paper forms. And some of us remember the days of mortgages with 19% percent interest rates – we’re happy that has changed!”

He encouraged members to become involved to have input about how business is done in the future. “We need fresh insight and expertise to help shape the future of our association,” he added. “Because without change, we’re not moving forward. You all play a valuable role, whether at your local association, the state or the national. We need to remember that we’re basically one organization. We are all Realtors® with the same common purposes and goals.”

A member of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors®, Festa served as president in 2008. He has been a Realtor® for more than 40 years and owns William Festa Realty in Philadelphia. He is a graduate of the LeadershipPAR program and has served as the association’s treasurer, vice president and was a district vice president representing the Philadelphia region. In addition, Festa has served on the Finance, Legal Action, Legislative, Standard Forms and the Strategic Oversight committees. Festa is a federal political coordinator for the National Association of Realtors® and he has earned the designation of Certified Residential Specialist.

Other officers installed included: President-elect Chris Raad, First Vice President Chris Beadling and Treasurer Al Perry. Ten district vice presidents also took office including: Heather Petrone-Shook, District 1; Kenneth Enochs Jr., District 2; Eric Rehling, District 3; Merlin Weaver, District 4; Anne Marie Bartlett, District 5; Jodi Diego, District 6; Sandy Stevens, District 7; Marc McMaster, District 8; Sal Mazzocchi, District 9 and David Dean, District 10.