ERA franchisor loses CEO to cancer

Brenda W. Casserly, president and CEO of ERA Franchise Systems LLC, died Wednesday, parent company Realogy Corp. announced today, after a long battle with cancer.

She joined ERA in 1998 as a senior vice president, and soon after was named chief operating officer. She was appointed president in 2001.

"I was fortunate to have known Brenda for many years and knew her as a tremendous human being and a true leader who was greatly admired for her genuinely caring nature, passion for the (company), and an abundance of personal and professional accomplishments. She will be greatly missed," said Richard A. Smith, Realogy Corp. president and CEO, in a statement.

Alex A. Perriello, Realogy Corp. president and CEO, said in a statement that he had known Casserly for about two decades. Her "broad smile … was not only genuine, but contagious as well. Even when faced with a life-threatening illness, her spirit and commitment to making a difference was inspirational. The industry has lost a brave, talented and gracious leader."

ERA Real Estate COO Charlie Young said, "Her personality will be missed as much as her outstanding leadership."

Casserly’s real estate career spanned more than two decades.

She is survived by her husband, Michael F. Casserly, two children, two stepchildren and two grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in her memory to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), either online or by mail to MDA National Headquarters, 3300 East Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ, 85718, to the attention of "Memorial Contributions," according to the Realogy announcement.

The ERA global real estate network includes about 33,000 brokers and sales associates and 2,800 offices.

***

What’s your opinion? Leave your comments below or send a letter to the editor.