Considering the state of the economy in general and real estate in particular, 2010 might not seem to be the optimal year to become president of the National Association of Realtors. But that’s not the way Tucson Realtor Vicki Cox Golder sees it. Which is good because she was installed Nov. 12 as the new president.

“When a market is strong, anybody can be a leader then. But when it is not strong, you have to develop creative solutions and programs,” Golder said prior to leaving for her installation in San Diego. “I’m on the street and see it every day, that gives me excellent insight. I bring in a perspective others don’t have. I understand the market stress and strains and that will help me educate and move members along.”  

Coming from Tucson brings the perspective of being in one of the five states that have been hit hardest by the credit crisis. Golder says she instends to use that perspective to help in a turnaround. She points to Arizona’s flurry of record foreclosures, a flawed appraisal process and high unemployment as top-of-mind issues.

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One of her priorities is to increase political influence of the National Association of Realtors — the nation’s largest trade association — at the federal, state and local levels through lobbying. As the industry undergoes tremendous regulatory change, the decisions of lawmakers will impact the business and consumers for decades. 

Another goal is to reseed the association’s grassroots efforts to become more aggressive advocates for the industry and consumers.

Golder was sworn-in during ceremonies at the association’s national conference, the organization’s largest annual event. During the three-day convention, she delivered 14 speeches. She is the association’s first top executive from Arizona and its fifth woman president.

Embracing an “On the Rise” theme, Golder is upbeat about leading the 1.2 million member organization.

“‘On the Rise’ is more than just a theme. It’s an attitude, a positive outlook, a belief that we can strengthen our markets, our industry and our businesses,” Golder said in her speech to inagural attendees. “It is a statement that real estate is moving, accelerating toward a prosperous time. And it’s the definition of our organization, a reminder that our members are ready to rise and meet the challenges we face today and in the year ahead.”

Golder has been in real estate for 35 years and owns Vicki L. Cox & Associates. She served as president of the Tucson Association of Realtors in 1991, and the state association in 1994. She has chaired several National Association of Realtors committees and in 2005 was a regional vice president.

Maybe this is precisely the right time for Golder to become the association’s president.

“We already are seeing the overall market start to turn around as many numbers for pending sales are increasing,” she said.

Contact reporter Roger Yohem at ryohem@azbiz.com or (520) 295-4254.