Richard Mendenhall, a fifth-generation real estate professional and REALTOR® from Columbia, Missouri, was the 2001 President of the National Association of REALTORS®.
Mendenhall led the Association through one of the most difficult times in the history of America, the September 11th terrorist attacks. Within hours, Mendenhall established the REALTORS® Housing Relief Fund which collected over 8.5 million dollars to help fund mortgages and rents for 9/11 victims.
Of importance to Mendenhall during his term as President were technological competencies of REALTORS®, education, Smart Growth, and diversity. From these priorities grew the HOPE Awards program, which honored groups and individuals who helped minority families become homeowners, as well as the REALTORS® & Smart Growth publication, On Common Ground.
During his term as NAR President, Mendenhall represented the REALTOR® Organization before lawmakers on issues such as the mortgage interest deduction, banks in real estate, and brownfields.
Service to the industry has been a constant in Richard Mendenhall’s career. He is a past-president and has served on several committees of both the Columbia Board of REALTORS® and Missouri Association of REALTORS®. From 2004-2006, he served as Co-Chair of the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations. Currently, Mendenhall serves on the REALTOR® University Board of Regents, chairs the University’s International Committee, and serves on a variety of other University committees.
Service to his community and country has also been a constant in Mendenhall’s life. He has served as president of the Columbia Missouri Chamber of Commerce, president of the Regional Economic Development Commission, Chair of the Flagship Council of the University of Missouri, past board member of the Columbia Housing Authority, and Green Beret military advisor in Vietnam.
Honors Richard Mendenhall has received include the Council of Real Estate Brokers and Managers Hall of Leaders Award, the University of Missouri Faculty Alumni Award, Columbia Public Schools Foundation Outstanding Alumni Award, and the International Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.
Richard Mendenhall holds bachelor and master’s degrees in education from the University of Missouri. He began his real estate career in commercial sales in the early-1970s and earned, over time, the CCIM, CIPS, CRB, ePro, and GRI designations and certifications. He is the owner of three real estate offices and resides in Missouri with his wife, Denice.
Learn more about Richard Mendenhall:
Putting You First: Richard A. Mendenhall (REALTOR® Magazine, Jan. 2001)
The Spirit of the Future (REALTOR® Magazine, Nov. 2001)