Ohio REALTORS® and Paramount: Reshaping a Critical Advocacy Role

The Organization

Ohio REALTORS® is the state’s largest real estate association, representing over 36,000 professionals. While the central team focuses on statewide policy and advocacy, most day-to-day member issues are handled at the local level through 30 independent real estate boards across the state.

Five of those boards are large enough to have their own government affairs staff. The remaining 25 are smaller, often with just one or two employees and no in-house policy expertise. These boards still face zoning, tax, and housing issues that affect their members but often lack the capacity to respond effectively.

Following a statewide dues increase, the organization needed to strengthen its support for those 25 local boards. The role needed to be reshaped. Scott was looking for someone who could bring structure, clarity, and credibility to local advocacy.

Context and Opportunity

The role wasn’t new, but the expectations were. It had existed for years without a clear remit or long-term direction. While the previous postholder built strong relationships, the structure hadn’t kept pace with what members now needed. There was no consistent programming, no defined scope, and no way to measure or demonstrate success.

Scott needed a Director of Local Government Affairs who could re-establish the role with credibility and clarity, particularly with the 25 smaller boards that had no dedicated policy support.

But it was a tough brief. The pool of candidates was small. Most people with local policy experience weren’t actively looking. And even fewer had the skills, or the appetite, to take on a role that combined a mix of solo delivery, frequent travel, and sensitivity to local politics.

Paramount used behavioral insights to help Ohio REALTORS® get clear on what kind of person could thrive in a position like this, someone who could adapt to different contexts, build trust quickly, and navigate complex local issues with confidence. That shaped how we shortlisted, and ultimately, how we found the right fit.

Key Challenges

• Role had existed for years but lacked clear scope or structure
• Required rare mix of policy knowledge, political instincts, and adaptability
• Needed solo delivery across 25 varied communities and agendas
• Only 5 of 30 boards had in-house advocacy support
• High member expectations following a statewide dues increase
• Candidate pool was small and largely passive

How We Approached the Search

1. Refined the Role

Instead of creating a new position, we examined what worked, and what didn’t, in the previous role. Working with Scott, we clarified the focus on advocacy, visibility, and local impact.

2. A Focus on the Right Skills

This role needed someone who combined policy expertise with political awareness and strong people skills. We prioritized candidates who could explain complex issues clearly and build trust with a wide range of local boards.

3. Behavioral Insights for the Right Fit

We used behavioral assessments to better understand which candidates could adapt, connect with others, and manage the variety of local situations. This helped us narrow the list to those best suited for the job.

4. A Fully Remote Process

Because of COVID, all interviews were virtual. We kept in close contact with Veronica during onboarding, offering support to make sure her start went smoothly, even without meeting the team in person.

What Happened Next

Veronica started during a challenging time when the team was spread out, and she hadn’t met many people face to face. Right away, she got to work understanding the current advocacy efforts and spotting where things could improve.

She built strong relationships with the smaller boards, providing clear guidance and practical support on local issues like zoning and taxes. Her steady, hands-on approach helped bring the statewide goals closer to the realities of local communities.

The structured process, and support during onboarding, meant Veronica was set up to make a difference from day one.

Results

• We designed a structured process to match the complexity of the role and support confident decision-making.
• We used behavioral insights to identify candidates with the right mix of skills and adaptability.
• We guided the client through remote interviews and decision-making during COVID restrictions, providing ongoing support during onboarding to set Veronica up for success.
• Veronica has become a trusted advisor for 25 smaller boards lacking dedicated advocacy staff.
• She launched new programs addressing zoning, housing, and tax issues at the local level.
• Veronica’s work has strengthened local advocacy across Ohio, building credibility for the role and closing a gap in statewide member support.

Beyond the Hire

Veronica’s role has evolved beyond its original scope. She now leads advocacy efforts that reach deeply into Ohio’s local real estate community, serving as a vital link between the state association and its member boards.

Her work brought consistency and clarity to local advocacy. What was once a loosely defined role is now a key part of Ohio REALTORS®’ member support.

Her success reflects both her skill and the clarity that came from a focused, well-supported process.

“Veronica brought a fresh energy and deep understanding that we hadn’t seen before in this role. Finding someone with her skills and judgment isn’t easy, and we wouldn’t have found her without Paramount.”
— Scott Williams, CEO, Ohio REALTORS®

Why This One Stuck With Us

This wasn’t an easy brief. The expectations were high, the pool was limited, and the role called for someone who could balance political awareness with real-world support.

What stood out most was the trust that formed around Veronica so quickly. She brought structure, clarity, and calm toa space that needed all three.

For us, it was a reminder that clarity matters. When you understand what the role really needs, and take the time to find someone who fits that, the impact speaks for itself.

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