CEO of California Association of Realtors Steps Down on His Function

John Sebree Steps Down on His Function

John Sebree has stepped down as CEO of the California Association of Realtors (CAR), the organization announced on Saturday. Sebree is leaving to explore new professional opportunities.

Melanie Barker, CAR’s president, expressed gratitude for Sebree’s tenure as CEO and State Secretary. “On behalf of CAR’s leadership team and the Board of Directors, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to John for his service and dedication. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” Barker stated.

Sebree came to CAR two years ago, having previously worked with Missouri Realtors.

Following his departure, CAR’s leadership has named Debra Ferrier as the interim CEO.


“We are eager to collaborate with Debra Ferrier, who is highly respected in the industry and has a deep understanding of our association’s priorities. We are confident in her ability to lead the organization during this transition period as we conduct our search for a new CEO,” Barker added.

Ferrier has a long history with CAR, starting 37 years ago as vice president and assistant general counsel, then moving on to general counsel of CAR’s business subsidiaries, and most recently serving as the CEO of CAR’s for-profit subsidiary, Real Estate Business Services since 2010.

“It’s a privilege and an exciting challenge to step into the role of leading an organization I have been with for many years,” Ferrier commented. “I am looking forward to collaborating with our leadership team, the Board, and the staff at CAR in the upcoming months. This is a critical time for our industry, and I am confident that together, we can successfully navigate these challenges and seize the opportunities that await us.”

CAR also announced that a search committee will be established to select a permanent CEO.

California’s innovative initiative offering homebuyers $150,000 to purchase homes comes at a pivotal time in our real estate landscape, aligning with our mission to empower homeownership and advance our industry’s future.