People You Should Know: Russ Cofano

Russ Cofano

CEO, Missouri Association of Realtors

AGE: 50
YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: I am in the process of relocating my family to Columbia.
ORIGINAL HOMETOWN: I was born in San Diego but have lived most of my life in the Seattle area.
JOB DESCRIPTION: My job is to lead the staff of the Missouri Association of Realtors — in partnership with the association’s elected leadership — to further its mission to protect the private property rights of Missouri citizens, promote real estate as a catalyst for economic and community development and foster a business environment in which all Realtor members can succeed.
EDUCATION: I spent seven years at the University of Washington, where I obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration and my law degree.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: I have been active in both education and sports. On the education front, I was on the board of trustees for Eastside Catholic High School in Sammamish, Wash. I also was active with the West Linn-Wilsonville School District in Oregon and served on multiple committees and as president of its foundation. I have coached various youth sports including basketball, football and baseball and most recently was head coach for a high school women’s AAU basketball team.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Before joining the Missouri Association of Realtors, I was vice president and general counsel for one of the largest real estate brokerages in the nation. Prior to that I practiced law at a law firm and in an in-house environment. I also was CEO of a real estate technology startup. Much of my career has been centered on the real estate brokerage industry, where I have worked closely as counsel and consultant to Realtor associations and multiple listing services across the nation.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: In my last job I developed a strategy that was successful in eliminating several million dollars of debt from a real estate title company joint venture. This involved a lot of complex analysis and negotiation, which is what I like to do.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: Richard Mendenhall has stepped in and served as interim CEO of the Missouri Association of Realtors and has done a terrific job in laying the groundwork for my success.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: I am passionate about leadership, strategic thinking and innovation. My role at the association will enable me to use various skills that I have developed during the past 20 years to be a leader in Missouri real estate and to help shape the future of the industry through innovative strategies and programs.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: Be a high school teacher and basketball coach. I love kids.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Golfing, coaching, staying fit and eating at great restaurants.
FAMILY: I have a great wife and partner of 26 years, Patti; along with a daughter, Christy, 18; and a son, Anthony, 16.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: I’m looking forward to discovering it. I already know that Old Hawthorne Golf Club will be a favorite place. I want to find some good restaurants as well.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Raising two fantastic kids with Patti.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I: Took a road trip to southern California last summer with my son to surf. He said I got up on the board — and I believe him.