The End of an Era: Teresa King Kinney Retires After 33 Years Leading the MIAMI Association of Realtors

Miami realtors logo

After more than three decades at the helm of the nation’s largest local Realtor association, Teresa King Kinney—one of the most influential figures in modern real estate—has announced her retirement as CEO of the MIAMI Association of Realtors. Her departure marks the close of a remarkable 55-year career in real estate leadership, leaving behind a legacy few can match.

The MIAMI Association of Realtors confirmed that Kinney will officially step down at the end of the year, transitioning into the role of CEO Emeritus while supporting the organization for an additional year through a consulting agreement. A national search firm has already been retained to identify her successor.

A Legacy Built on Vision, Innovation, and Global Reach

When Kinney arrived in Miami in 1993, the association had just 5,000 members and a single office. Today, thanks to her relentless drive and bold leadership, MIAMI now serves 60,000 members, making it larger than 44 state Realtor associations. It also operates the fourth-largest MLS in the country—and the largest association-owned MLS.

Her leadership transformed Miami into a global real estate powerhouse. Kinney championed the Miami lifestyle on the world stage, presenting at major international conferences and establishing business connections across 77 countries. Because of this international push, Miami grew into one of the most recognized and sought-after global real estate brands.

View the Original Announcement

Tap to read the official press release on PR Newswire.

A Career Defined by “Begin With the End in Mind”

Under Kinney’s leadership, MIAMI became the first large market to post listings on Realtor.com, oversaw one of the largest mergers in NAR history, launched global partnerships, and established itself as a national leader in advocacy, innovation, education, and community impact. Her philosophy—never accepting limits and always looking ahead—allowed MIAMI to stay agile through major industry shifts, market downturns, and global disruptions.

During the 2008 crash, Kinney guided Miami’s recovery faster than any other U.S. market. During COVID-19, she moved the association to full virtual operations within a single business day. And after the landmark NAR settlement of 2024, MIAMI was one of the first associations in the nation to launch new educational programs, toolkits, and broker resources to help Realtors adapt.

Leading Miami’s Global Identity

Kinney founded MIAMI Global in 1996, initiating the association’s first international agreement with SECOVI-SP in Brazil. Now, nearly 300 global partnerships later, MIAMI provides its members with access to over two million real estate professionals worldwide through its referral networks. Its Global Real Estate Congresses and international exhibitions have helped solidify Miami as the unrivaled gateway between the Americas and the world.

Celebrating a Real Estate Icon

Awards have followed Kinney throughout her career—more than 50 of them—including the prestigious NAR William R. Magel Award of Excellence. She has been named one of the most powerful people in real estate, one of the top MLS executives in the country, and one of the major influencers in South Florida’s property market.

Yet industry peers consistently highlight her work ethic, passion, and willingness to mentor as the true heart of her leadership. As MIAMI Chairman Alfredo Pujol said, “Miami and the real estate profession is better thanks to TK.”

The Next Chapter

With Kinney’s retirement approaching, MIAMI is positioned for unprecedented growth. The association’s state-of-the-art global headquarters, award-winning MLS innovations, and commitment to world-class education continue to make it a model for real estate organizations nationwide.

Her successor will inherit an organization built on strength—and a legacy that has shaped the real estate landscape of an entire region.

For the Next Generation of Industry Leaders

Teresa King Kinney’s career reminds us that education, adaptability, and leadership drive success. If you’re pursuing a real estate license or advancing your professional skills, Cameron Academy is here to help shape your next steps—just as leaders like Kinney shaped the future of our industry.

Source: MIAMI Association of Realtors via PR Newswire

More Articles

Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!

The Future of Commercial Real Estate: What 2030 Could Really Look Like

Commercial real estate is entering a decade of major transformation driven by interest rate pressures, evolving work culture, rapid proptech innovation, and growing demand for AI-focused infrastructure. While the global CRE market is projected to reach $133.5 trillion by 2028, rising rates, shifting office demand, and increasing sustainability requirements are reshaping how professionals invest, manage, and develop properties. By 2030, the biggest opportunities will center on mixed‑use conversions, data center growth, premium office spaces, and ESG‑driven upgrades.

NAR’s Antitrust Settlement Reshapes Real Estate: What Every Agent Needs to Know

The National Association of Realtors’ landmark antitrust settlement is transforming how real estate agents negotiate compensation, work with buyers, and handle transparency in transactions. With MLS‑posted buyer‑broker commissions eliminated and written buyer agreements now required, both consumers and professionals are navigating a new, more transparent landscape. While commission levels have only dipped slightly, the real shift is in how openly compensation is discussed and negotiated—creating new challenges and opportunities for agents who adapt quickly.

AI Supercharges Proptech in 2025: A Market Maturing at High Speed

Artificial intelligence is no longer a novelty in real estate — 2025 marks its breakthrough year as a dependable pillar of the proptech industry. With investors pouring capital into AI‑powered forecasting, security, automation, and property management tools, the sector is shifting from experimentation to full‑scale adoption. Brokerages, developers, and institutional players now rely on AI to streamline due diligence, enhance market modeling, reduce risk, and optimize building operations. As adoption accelerates, professionals who understand and leverage these technologies are gaining a decisive competitive edge in fast‑moving markets like Florida.

Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen? The 2026 Insurance Outlook Everyone’s Watching

A new episode of Current Account breaks down why the insurance industry is heading into 2026 with more uncertainty — and more opportunity — than ever. From shifting global regulations and rising catastrophe risks to FSOC’s evolving role in the U.S., industry leaders Jérôme Haegeli and Philippe Brahin explain how insurers are being pushed to rethink strategy in real time. With global premium growth expected to slow and regulatory pressures rising, professionals in insurance and financial services are turning to education and new skills to stay ahead in a rapidly changing market.

New Jersey’s Commercial Real Estate Boom: The Surprising Power Move Shaping 2026

New Jersey is quietly becoming one of the hottest commercial real estate markets in the nation, with Jersey City and North Jersey breaking into the top 10 in PwC’s 2026 Emerging Trends report. Fueled by redevelopment momentum, data‑center demand, mixed‑use transformations and a surge in health‑care projects, the state is drawing major investors while still battling rising construction costs and municipal fatigue. For real estate professionals, the Garden State’s evolution signals fresh opportunity—and a market worth watching closely heading into 2026.

NCOIL Challenges Trump’s AI Order, Warning of Major Impacts on Insurance Regulation

The National Council of Insurance Legislators is pushing back against President Trump’s new executive order on artificial intelligence, arguing that it threatens decades of state‑based insurance oversight. NCOIL leaders say federal attempts to centralize AI authority could disrupt markets, weaken consumer protections, and limit states’ ability to innovate—setting the stage for a significant legal and political battle with major implications for insurance professionals who rely on AI‑driven tools and regulatory clarity.