AnneMarie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy MLS, is an attorney, MLS and Realtor Association CEO, a passionate MLS advocate, and loves a good scarf.
She recently shared how a few key principles have guided her throughout her 25-year career, and most recently, through her work advocating for the separation of MLSs from associations.
Ask the tough questions.
Sometimes, one question can change everything. AnneMarie recalls asking: “In five years, if the Association closed its doors, why did that happen?” The answer—“because the MLS went out of business”—made it clear bold action was needed to ensure both the MLS and the Association would continue to thrive.
Be curious and challenge the status quo.
Early in her career, AnneMarie questioned why lockboxes and keys were reflected in the Association’s financials, rather than in the MLS, when lockboxes and keys are clearly an MLS function. The answer did not make sense to her. In the late 90s, a vote to move to electronic boxes failed on the MLS side, so the president at the time asked Association members to vote, resulting in the lockboxes and keys being included in the Association’s financials. Looking back, she says this was the first step in her journey toward separating the MLS from the Association.
Invest in your team.
AnneMarie made it a priority to send board members and volunteer leaders to industry conferences and events. Exposing them to broader perspectives helping them understand where the industry is headed, empowering them to make smarter, faster decisions. These investments made it easier to navigate the MLS separation process successfully.
Be open to new ways of doing things.
Throughout her tenure at Canopy MLS, AnneMarie guided her team through governance and operational changes that required creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to rethink “that’s how it’s always been done.”
Keep learning.
An audiobook fan, AnneMarie’s latest listen is Simon Sinek’s “The Infinite Game.” She explained the book is pushing her to think beyond the “current” and offering a fresh perspective on her leadership strategy.
AnneMarie’s insights are a reminder that leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about curiosity, investing in people, embracing change, and having the courage to ask hard questions.
Ready to put these ideas to work? Start small, stay consistent, and watch the impact grow.
About AnneMarie DeCatsye
Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., has served as CEO of the Canopy Realtor® Association since 2001. Under her leadership, the organization operates and manages Canopy MLS, the Canopy Real Estate Institute, and the Canopy Housing Foundation. She has been recognized by RISMedia for her industry leadership, serves on multiple boards and committees, and played a key role in forming the Southeast MLS Alliance.