Cliff Long from Orlando joined the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) in December 2017 with the responsibility of strengthening the organization to meet the demands of one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States. Since that time, he has focused on guiding the association with steady leadership and a clear commitment to its members. ORRA, recognized as the eighth-largest REALTOR® association in America, has continued to grow in membership, influence, and financial stability under its leadership.
Cliff brings more than two decades of executive experience across both non-profit and for-profit organizations. Over the years, he has developed a reputation for helping organizations navigate change while maintaining stability. His leadership approach emphasizes practical decision-making, responsible financial management, and the creation of systems that support long-term success.
As CEO of ORRA, Cliff oversees an organization with an annual operating budget exceeding $13 million. The association employs nearly 40 staff members and works with consultants who support more than 20,000 real estate professionals throughout the region. ORRA serves its members through education programs, support for professional standards, advocacy work, international partnerships, and business development initiatives.
When Cliff began his leadership role, ORRA had approximately 14,500 members. Over the course of his tenure, membership expanded to more than 20,000, marking the association's most significant period of growth. This increase reflects both the expansion of the Central Florida housing market and the association’s efforts to strengthen services for real estate professionals.
Strong governance has been an important part of Cliff’s leadership philosophy. He worked to strengthen engagement among ORRA’s board members and ensure that the organization maintained clear strategic priorities. By focusing on measurable outcomes, he helped align staff performance with the association's broader mission of supporting its membership. Cliff emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in decision-making. Clear communication between staff, leadership boards, and members helped the organization remain focused during periods of expansion.
One of the most significant achievements during Cliff’s tenure was the purchase and relocation to a new 45,000-square-foot headquarters facility. The project required detailed financial planning, board coordination, and lender engagement to bring the vision to completion.
Cliff guided the financing, planning, and development of the facility while ensuring that the project aligned with the association’s long-term goals. The building includes tenant-revenue space designed to diversify income and enhance the organization's financial stability.
In addition to serving as CEO of ORRA, Cliff also holds leadership roles in related entities connected to the organization. He serves as President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Real Estate Network (ORREN), the association’s for-profit subsidiary, and also serves as CEO of ORRA’s foundation.
These roles allow him to coordinate the organization’s mission-driven programs, business enterprises, and community investments under a unified leadership strategy. This structure supports financial sustainability while allowing ORRA to continue expanding its services for members.
Cliff has consistently emphasized the importance of maintaining financial stability. During his time with ORRA’s for-profit division, he reduced operating losses during his first year and increased non-dues revenue by introducing new services and partnerships.
Before joining ORRA, Cliff held leadership positions with other REALTOR® associations where he delivered measurable improvements in financial performance and organizational structure.
At the Birmingham Association of REALTORS®, he eliminated a multi-year financial deficit within three years. He also increased non-dues revenue by more than 200 percent and created Greater Alabama MLS as a wholly owned subsidiary. Through careful financial management and organizational restructuring, both the association and the MLS reached zero-debt status.
At the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®, he improved financial performance by tripling the year-end operating surplus within 18 months. The association also reached 156 percent of its Political Action Committee fundraising goal during his leadership, strengthening advocacy efforts for real estate professionals across Florida.
In the real estate industry, Realtor Cliff Long from Orlando has played an important role in strengthening ORRA’s engagement in public policy discussions on housing and property ownership. His leadership has encouraged greater participation in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee and helped strengthen relationships with elected leaders.
He has also supported international engagement by organizing trade missions to regions including Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America. These initiatives helped introduce Central Florida real estate opportunities to international investors and professionals.
His work has received recognition from both regional and national organizations. Cliff was named CEO of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2014 and later received the same recognition from the Orlando Business Journal in 2019.
Cliff Long from Orlando remains active in several civic organizations across the region. He currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Orlando Economic Partnership and sits on the Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Sports. His work in these organizations reflects a broader interest in economic development and community engagement.
He has also served as a School Board Trustee for Orange County Public Schools, supporting education and workforce development programs.
Mentorship has remained an important part of Cliff’s leadership philosophy. Recognizing that there are not many African American CEOs leading large REALTOR® associations, he actively mentors emerging professionals and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue leadership opportunities within the industry.
Cliff often shares that his most important roles are those of husband and father. Having been married for more than 25 years, he believes that stability, responsibility, and clear communication are important values that guide both his personal life and his professional leadership.
Portfolio: https://clifflongorlando.com
Portfolio 2: https://cliff-long.com