A Realtor who's been part of the Brunswick County Association of Realtors for a decade was chosen recently as the association's new CEO, BCAR announced Monday.

The group's board of directors picked Cynthia Cumbie, who was MLS director before she was tapped as interim CEO this summer, to permanently fill the position left by Steve Candler in May.
 
“Cynthia Cumbie is a proven leader. She excelled as our MLS director, and she has proven herself during the past few months as our interim CEO,” said Bruce Williams, president of BCAR’S board of directors, in the release. “We are confident that our association is in good hands moving forward.”
 
Cumbie said Monday that the BCAR's goals for the future include continuing to enhance the services the association provides.

“The real estate market in our area is trending in the right direction, and our association has taken an important step to provide better service to homebuyers by joining the regional MLS," Cumbie said in the announcement. "I am excited to have the opportunity to lead our association as we move forward, and I will continue to work diligently to provide our members with the service and representation they deserve.”

BCAR had at first declined to join the regional MLS, but announced a change in that decision in July. Williams said at the time that joining the regional effort advanced the interests of BCAR members, of which there are more than 850 licensed real estate agents, by "increasing efficiency and eliminating the need for multiple memberships."

Cumbie said the ranks of Realtors in Brunswick County and those in the industry who use the services of BCAR has been growing this year. 
 
Other certifications Cumbie, who lives in Shallotte, has earned include Realtor Association Certified Executive, Professional Standards Administrator, Mediator, zipForms Certified Trainer and e-Pro, according to Monday's announcement. She is actively involved with the National Association of Realtors, the release said, serving on NAR’s RCE Certification Advisory Board and teaching a study session on the MLS portion of the RCE exam.