John Gormley, Chief Executive Officer
Connie Vavra, President
Representing two sides of the industry — agent and association — John Gormley and Connie Vavra are united by a shared commitment to raising the bar in Chicagoland real estate. Gormley, chief executive officer of Mainstreet REALTORS®, has spent more than 25 years advancing the real estate profession nationwide. With a journalism background and leadership roles across multiple Realtor associations, he’s known for fostering collaboration, innovation and a culture of inclusivity. Since joining Mainstreet in 2017, he has built a high-performing staff, expanded strategic partnerships and helped the organization earn national recognition as a “Great Place to Work” four years in a row.
Vavra, a Realtor with RE/MAX 10 and the 2024-2025 president of Mainstreet REALTORS®, has been guiding buyers and sellers across the southwestern suburbs for more than 14 years. She began her career during the foreclosure crisis, working real estate-owned (REO) properties for major banks and developing a grit and empathy that still shape her client relationships today. Known for treating every client like family, Vavra takes an approach that blends process-driven structure with humor and heart.
Gormley and Vavra lead with a people-first philosophy and a deep respect for the Realtor community. Vavra’s specialties include first-time buyers, military families and estate sales, while Gormley focuses on empowering agents through education, strategic planning and professional development. Both are passionate about giving back. Vavra supports organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, while Gormley serves on the board of The Conservation Foundation and teaches spokesperson training workshops to other industry professionals.
Whether at the negotiation table or at the front of the boardroom, Gormley and Vavra bring integrity, experience and a shared mission to elevate the profession.
