Cliff Long Orlando

About Cliff Long of Orlando

Chief Executive Officer at Orlando Regional REALTOR Association


Cliff Long from Orlando began his leadership at the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) in December 2017 with a clear responsibility to strengthen the organization and prepare it for the needs of a rapidly expanding region. ORRA serves one of the most active real estate markets in the United States, and its members depend on strong leadership to navigate industry changes and economic shifts. Since assuming the role of CEO, he has guided the association through consistent growth while maintaining stability and accountability.

Cliff has focused on building an organization that supports its members while also contributing to regional discussions related to housing and economic development. 

Professional Experience and Executive Background

Before joining ORRA, Cliff had more than 20 years of experience serving as a chief executive in both non-profit and for-profit environments. Throughout his career, he has helped organizations improve their operational structures, strengthen financial performance, and implement strategies that support long-term sustainability.

His leadership style reflects a practical approach that emphasizes clear goals, responsible financial management, and consistent communication with staff and leadership boards. Over time, he has guided organizations through periods of restructuring, financial recovery, and expansion. These experiences helped prepare him for the challenges and opportunities associated with leading one of the largest REALTOR® associations in the country.

Strengthening Membership and Services

As CEO, Cliff oversees an organization that operates with an annual budget exceeding $13 million. ORRA employs nearly 40 staff members and works alongside consultants who support more than 20,000 real estate professionals. The association provides services including education programs, oversight of professional standards, advocacy, international engagement, and business development support.

When Cliff first stepped into the CEO position, ORRA had approximately 14,500 members. During his tenure, membership increased to more than 20,000, representing the largest period of growth in the organization’s history.

Governance and Strategic Alignment

One of the priorities Cliff established early in his leadership was strengthening governance and improving board member engagement. Clear governance practices are important for organizations of ORRA’s size, particularly when managing rapid growth and expanding services.

He worked closely with the board to clarify long-term strategic priorities and ensure that the organization remained focused on measurable outcomes. Staff goals were aligned with these priorities so that daily operations supported broader organizational objectives.

Development of a New Association Headquarters

A major milestone during Cliff’s leadership was the purchase and relocation of ORRA to a new 45,000-square-foot headquarters. The project required careful financial planning and coordination among leadership, lenders, and organizational stakeholders.

Cliff guided the financing, planning, and execution of the project while ensuring it aligned with the association’s long-term strategy. The facility includes tenant-revenue space that helps diversify the organization’s income and strengthen financial stability.

Business Ventures and Financial Management

In addition to serving as ORRA's CEO, Cliff also leads the association's affiliated organizations. He serves as President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Real Estate Network (ORREN), the association’s for-profit subsidiary. He also serves as CEO of ORRA’s foundation, which focuses on community support and charitable initiatives.

Financial discipline has remained an important aspect of his leadership approach. Within ORRA’s for-profit division, Cliff reduced operating losses during his first year and expanded non-dues revenue through the development of new services and partnerships.

Leadership Achievements Before ORRA

Earlier in his career, Cliff held leadership positions with other REALTOR® associations, delivering strong financial and organizational results.

At the Birmingham Association of REALTORS®, he eliminated a multi-year financial deficit within three years. During the same period, non-dues revenue increased by more than 200 percent. He also established Greater Alabama MLS as a wholly owned subsidiary and guided both the association and the MLS to zero-debt status.

At the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®, Cliff improved financial performance by tripling the year-end operating surplus within 18 months. He also helped the association reach 156 percent of its Political Action Committee fundraising goal. These accomplishments helped strengthen advocacy efforts for members across Florida.

Advocacy and Industry Engagement

Within the real estate profession, Realtor Cliff Long from Orlando has played a role in strengthening the association’s involvement in housing policy and advocacy. Under his leadership, ORRA has expanded participation in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee and strengthened relationships with elected leaders at the local and state levels.

Cliff has also supported international outreach by organizing trade missions that introduced Central Florida real estate opportunities to professionals and investors in Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America.

Community Service and Mentorship

Cliff Long from Orlando remains involved in several civic and community 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 involvement in these organizations reflects a broader commitment to regional economic development and community growth.

He founded the Junior Reserve Law Enforcement Program to help young people explore potential careers in law enforcement. The program provides mentorship, certification opportunities, and direct exposure to the profession. Its goal is to strengthen relationships between youth and law enforcement while creating opportunities for future careers.

Personal Life and Leadership Philosophy

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Cliff Long from Orlando values time with his family and credits his role as a husband of more than 25 years and a father as the most important part of his life. These personal responsibilities influence how he approaches leadership, emphasizing stability, communication, and long-term relationships. 


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