MLS Industry Directory
Merri Jo Cowen
Chief Vision Officer, Stellar MLS & Executive Vice President, Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO)
About Merri Jo Cowen
Merri Jo Cowen is Chief Vision Officer at Stellar MLS and Executive Vice President at Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO). She led Stellar MLS as CEO from 2008 until Shayne Fairley succeeded her in 2026, overseeing growth, data-sharing partnerships and the organization’s 2019 rebranding.
Cowen is a dedicated advocate for the advancement of the real estate profession. With a career spanning over four decades, Cowen’s journey in real estate showcases her enduring passion to the field. Her pioneering spirit was evident when she assumed the role of the inaugural CEO of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS in 2003. This early success laid the foundation for her impactful leadership at Stellar MLS.
Affiliated Boards and Industry Associations:
Cowen also sits on the Board of Directors of FIABCI-USA, the International Real Estate Federation , a business networking organization for real estate professionals worldwide. She is active in promoting the value of the MLS worldwide and in 2023 headlined an international MLS forum in Paris, France on the benefits of organized real estate and standardized data.
Cowen is noted as one of the most powerful and innovative leaders in the real estate industry, having received recognition from both the Swanepoel Power 200 and RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmakers numerous times. In 2024, Cowen she was ranked as the second-highest female executive in the Organized Real Estate Executives list, a subset of the Swanepoel Power 200. She also is a recipient of the Inman MLS Reinvented Award and the esteemed Peter Shuttleworth MLS Executive Award of Excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Cowen is a philanthropic force, exemplified by her unwavering support of initiatives such as the Realtor Relief Fund, aiding communities in their recovery from natural disasters, and actively participating in RPAC, where she is a Sterling R or a Crystal R contributor. In 2023, she was pivotal in establishing the Stellar Cares charitable reserve, a testament to her commitment to community development and resilience
Merri Jo Cowen is Chief Vision Officer at Stellar MLS and Executive Vice President at Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO). She led Stellar MLS as CEO from 2008 until Shayne Fairley succeeded her in 2026, overseeing growth, data-sharing partnerships and the organization’s 2019 rebranding. Cowen is a dedicated advocate for the advancement of the real estate profession. With a career spanning over four decades, Cowen’s journey in real estate showcases her enduring passion to the field. Her pioneering spirit was evident when she assumed the role of the inaugural CEO of the Northern Nevada Regional MLS in 2003. This early success laid the foundation for her impactful leadership at Stellar MLS. Designations: Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS): CMLX1, CMLX2 and CMLX3 National Association of Realtors (NAR): RCE, C2EX and ePro Real Estate Standards Board (RESO): RED-B Affiliated Boards and Industry Associations: CMLS Board of Directors com Association Executives Advisory Group NAR MLS Executive Advisory Board NAR Board of Directors MLS Issues and Policy Committee AE Council MLS Grid Board of Managers Broker Public Portal Board of Managers (advisor) Real Estate Data Round Table Cowen also sits on the Board of Directors of FIABCI-USA, the International Real Estate Federation , a business networking organization for real estate professionals worldwide. She is active in promoting the value of the MLS worldwide and in 2023 headlined an international MLS forum in Paris, France on the benefits of organized real estate and standardized data. Cowen is noted as one of the most powerful and innovative leaders in the real estate industry, having received recognition from both the Swanepoel Power 200 and RISMedia’s Real Estate Newsmakers numerous times. In 2024, Cowen she was ranked as the second-highest female executive in the Organized Real Estate Executives list, a subset of the Swanepoel Power 200. She also is a recipient of the Inman MLS Reinvented Award and the esteemed Peter Shuttleworth MLS Executive Award of Excellence. Beyond her professional achievements, Cowen is a philanthropic force, exemplified by her unwavering support of initiatives such as the Realtor Relief Fund, aiding communities in their recovery from natural disasters, and actively participating in RPAC, where she is a Sterling R or a Crystal R contributor. In 2023, she was pivotal in establishing the Stellar Cares charitable reserve, a testament to her commitment to community development and resilience
