A regional Realtors association has a new CEO.

Cape Fear Realtors hired Taylor Oldroyd, previously CEO of the State of Montana Association of Realtors, to replace Jerry Panz, who will retire at the end of the year after a 32-year career, according to a news release.

Oldroyd led the Montana Realtors for two years and prior to that served as the local executive of the 2,200-member Utah Central Association for eight years, the release said.

"We are excited to have Taylor as our new CEO," said Neal Johnson, 2017 president of CFR, in the release. "His track record of working at both the local and state level in the Association of Realtors makes him an ideal fit. We are confident he will inspire focus and enthusiasm at Cape Fear Realtors."

Oldroyd has a strong background in government relations and public affairs, according to the release. He worked at the state chamber of commerce level and for numerous elected officials in both Utah and Washington, D.C.

“He will be a strong advocate for CFR on community issues like water quality, transit orientated development, walkability and the availability and affordability of housing," Johnson said in the release. “He also brings great ideas to increase Realtor communication and engagement, focus on Realtors Safety, and increased political and community involvement."