Contact:

Jeff Zipper, Vice President of Communications
407/438-1400, ext. 2314
JeffZ@far.org

Marla Martin, Communications Manager
407/438-1400, ext. 2326
MarlaM@far.org

Florida Association of Realtors® Announces New Executive Vice President

John Fridlington, executive vice president Florida Association of Realtors® Hobbies: Traveling, hiking, reading periodicals Favorite color: Blue Favorite food: Seafood Favorite music: Retro 70s and 80s music Favorite cartoon character: Dilbert Favorite movie: Casablanca Favorite vacation destination: Paris Cat or dog person: Dog Favorite children's book: Mother Goose's Book of Nursery Rhymes What are you reading now? The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown

ORLANDO, Fla., December 2004 --John Fridlington, the executive vice president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® (MAR), is joining the Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR) as its new executive vice president, beginning Jan. 1, 2005. 

Fridlington, 52, will be based at FAR's Orlando headquarters. He holds the Realtor association Certified Executive (RCE) and Certified Association Executive (CAE) designations, earning recognition for specialized industry knowledge as well as association achievements and experience. 

Fridlington earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa and received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is an Attorney member of the California State Bar. While Fridlington began his career as a corporate attorney for a private California firm, he soon accepted a position in the legal department at the California Association of Realtors® (CAR). After a 22-year career there, he left his position as vice president of CAR's executive department to take on the top management position at the Massachusetts association, a job he has held for the past four years. 

"I look forward to working together with FAR's management team to accomplish the goals of Florida Realtors," Fridlington says. "We will strive to enhance our members’ ability to earn their living in an ethical, progressive, efficient way; to protect private property rights; and to advance smart growth solutions addressing Florida’s need to balance growth and quality of life." 

Becoming familiar with public policy, legislative and regulatory issues of concern to Florida residents will be a top priority, he says, particularly with the 2005 Legislature convening in early March. 

And what is Fridlington looking forward to the most about coming to Florida? "Palm trees," he says. "Having lived in California for so many years and then moving to Boston, the thought of being able to look out on a February day and seeing a palm tree again is very appealing."

The Florida Association of Realtors (FAR), the voice for real estate in Florida, provides programs, services, continuing education, research and legislative representation to its more than 120,000 members in 70 boards/associations.

© 2005 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS