Real estate group selects CEO

SARASOTA — The Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee has named Jeffrey Arakelian CEO of the real estate trade association.

Arakelian will be CEO effective Sept. 18. He will succeed CEO Kathy Roberts, who is set to retire later this year. Roberts will work with Arakelian for a short transition period, according to a statement. Her official retirement date is Dec. 31.

Arakelian is currently CEO of the Greater Hartford Association of Realtors in Connecticut. He has been in the position for 20 years.

“I'm excited to become part of an outstanding Realtor Association and to help navigate the organization into the future,” says Arakelian in a statement. “I am especially looking forward to getting to know the leadership and membership of RASM, as well as the Sarasota and Manatee communities.”