CMLS2018 - Key Persons

Chris Carrillo

Job Titles:
  • President & CEO of Metro MLS
Chris Carrillo serves as the President & CEO of Metro MLS and Wiredata serving various regions throughout the state of Wisconsin. Collectively, the MLS serves over 7,200 Realtors in 2,100 offices as well as providing public records to a variety of companies statewide. Metro MLS prides itself in facilitating cooperation and compensation to Broker members by providing them timely accurate listing content and property information. Chris believes that data standards will streamline future Broker's Real Estate transactions and ultimately better serve Brokers, Agents, and Consumers through greater efficiency. With over 18 years in the industry Chris has emulated the motto of Metro MLS: "Our Business is Helping Your Business". Following his firm belief that you put action to word and thought, he has volunteered in a variety of MLS Industry leadership roles and positions. In the past, he has served on NAR's Technology and Emerging Trends workgroup, held a position as Chairman of NAR's MLS Executive's Forum and spent time as the MLS Executive Appointee to the NAR Board of Directors. In order to keep his pulse on the industry, Chris is actively serving on the NAR MLS Issues and Policies Committee, is a current member of the COVE Group, and NAR's MLS Executive's Advisory Committee. Chris' position on the Board of Directors for the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) assists him in serving his belief that bringing MLSs and third parties from across the country together will streamline transactions and serve the industry with greater efficiency. Looking to the future, Chris is the 2018 President Elect for CMLS where he will be helping to form the future of the MLS industry. He vows to be part of that solution that helps lead the MLS industry forward and bring MLSs and third parties from across the country together. In March of this year, Chris Carrillo and Matt Consalvo announced the first non-contiguous joint venture between Metro MLS and ARMLS. When he's not playing MLS, Chris is a hopeless Bears fan, Hawks fan, coach, as well as his children's #1 fan with his wife Felicia at their sporting events. Chris is a Veteran of the United States ARMY MP Corp and attended Northern Illinois University. GO HUSKIES!

Denee Evans

Job Titles:
  • CEO of the Council of Multiple Listing Services
Denee Evans is the CEO of the Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS), which is the largest professional organization dedicated to the MLS industry in North America. As CEO, Evans has been instrumental in establishing a unified voice for the MLS industry, driving innovation through the foundation of CMLS Section Councils, and supporting groundbreaking agreements with other industry stakeholders. She has been twice been named to the Swanepoel Power 200, included in Inman Top101 in Real Estate, and led CMLS to becoming an Inman Innovator finalist for MLS or Association. Evans also serves on the President's Associates Council at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which invests in the future of the community through its commitment to students, programs, and efforts. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance, with an emphasis in real estate, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Marilyn Wilson

Job Titles:
  • Founding Partner of WAV Group
Marilyn Wilson is Founding partner of WAV Group, and president of RETechnology.com. Marilyn's passion is to bring our industry together to create a vital, collaborative and profitable marketplace for the long haul! Marilyn is the leading researcher in the MLS industry today working for progressive MLSs across the country, industry initiatives, leading brokerages and technology companies uncovering insights and opportunities to move our industry forward. She lends her skills in strategic planning, communications, recruiting and technology evaluation to create positive waves of change for her clients. Before real estate, Marilyn was SVP Global Marketing, Strategic Planning and Product Development for Fisher-Price, one of the top 10 most highly trusted consumer brands in the world. Marilyn been named several times to the Inman Top 100 list and the Swanepoel Top 200 Most Powerful People in Residential Real Estate. She is a graduate of Cornell University and speaks regularly at industry conferences including Inman, NAR, CMLS, RESO, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and many others.

Merri Jo Cowen

Job Titles:
  • CEO for My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service
Merri Jo Cowen is the CEO for My Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service (MFRMLS). MFRMLS was founded in 1995 and is owned by 15 REALTOR® associations and boards that represent more than 55,000 professionals in the real estate industry - and over $40 billion dollars in sales in 2017. It is one of the largest MLSs in the U.S. and the largest MLS in Florida. In addition to leading MFRMLS, Merri Jo serves on the Board of Directors for CMLS, is honored to be the Dean of CMLX. She participates in the Realtor.com Association Executives Advisory Group, Upstream Advisory Group and a member of the MLS Grid Board of Managers. She is proud to say she has served as the president of CMLS twice in past years. A real estate industry professional since 1979, Merri Jo was selected as the first CEO of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS in 2003 before accepting the position of CEO at MFRMLS in 2008.