Kevin Sears President | Official website
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has named Andowah Newton as its new Vice President, Litigation and Associate General Counsel. Newton brings significant experience in litigation, corporate governance, and nonprofit compliance to the role.
Newton previously served as Vice President, Legal Affairs and Head of Litigation at a global luxury conglomerate, where she managed legal strategies for more than 30 brands and advised top executives on complex issues, including real estate matters. Her earlier career includes positions at law firms Hogan Lovells and Mintz Levin, focusing on civil litigation and risk management.
She is also the Founder and President of The RAN Fund, a nonprofit organization focused on youth empowerment. In this capacity, Newton led a team responsible for financial compliance and maintaining tax-exempt status, which aligns with the operational needs of organizations like NAR.
"Andowah brings a valuable combination of litigation experience, financial acumen, and strategic judgment," said Jon Waclawski, NAR's General Counsel and Senior Vice President, Legal. "Her experience managing complex legal matters, coupled with her hands-on understanding of nonprofit compliance and governance, makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide NAR's litigation strategy in this evolving landscape. We're excited to welcome her to the team."
Newton started her career as a CPA after earning an accounting degree from Georgetown University. She holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School and a French law degree from Université de Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne. Her public service includes clerking at the International Criminal Court and testifying before Congress on legal issues. In 2024, she received the Cornell Law Exemplary Alumni Public Service Award.
"I am excited to join NAR at such a pivotal moment for the organization and the real estate industry at large. I look forward to supporting our members, protecting the integrity of the profession, and ensuring NAR remains a strong, trusted advocate for property rights and housing access," Newton said. She will begin her new position on August 25.
The National Association of REALTORS is engaged in both residential and commercial real estate sectors. The REALTOR designation identifies professionals who are members of NAR and adhere to its Code of Ethics. Consumers can find guides about homebuying processes on facts.realtor.
