About Cliff Long of Orlando
Chief Executive Officer at Orlando Regional REALTOR Association
Cliff Long from Orlando accepted the role of CEO at the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) in December 2017 with the responsibility of guiding the organization during a time of significant regional growth. Central Florida has experienced steady population and housing demand growth, and ORRA plays an important role in supporting real estate professionals working in that environment. Since assuming the position, he has worked to strengthen the association’s operations, improve member services, and maintain strong financial stability.
Cliff has focused on building an organization that can respond to industry changes while continuing to provide dependable support to its members. ORRA, recognized as the eighth-largest REALTOR® association in America, represents a large and active professional community. Under his leadership, the association has maintained steady growth and expanded its role in education, advocacy, and professional development for real estate professionals across Central Florida.
Professional Experience Across Multiple Organizations
Before joining ORRA, Cliff had more than 2 decades of experience serving as a chief executive in both non-profit and for-profit organizations. During that time, he built a record of guiding organizations through periods of change, including financial recovery, operational restructuring, and membership growth.
His leadership approach emphasizes thoughtful planning and responsible governance. Cliff has often worked with organizations that required improved financial discipline and clearer operational structure. Through consistent communication with staff and leadership boards, he has helped organizations move toward long-term sustainability and stronger performance.
Expanding Membership and Industry Services
As CEO, Cliff oversees an organization with an annual operating budget exceeding $13 million. ORRA employs nearly 40 staff members and works with consultants who help serve more than 20,000 real estate professionals throughout the region. The association provides services including education programs, guidance on professional standards, advocacy support, international partnerships, and business development opportunities.
When Cliff first stepped into the CEO role, ORRA had approximately 14,500 members. During his tenure, membership increased to more than 20,000. This increase represents the largest growth period in the association’s history.
Strengthening Governance and Organizational Focus
A key priority for Cliff was strengthening governance practices and improving engagement with ORRA’s leadership boards. Clear governance helps ensure that an organization remains focused on its long-term mission while managing daily operations effectively.
Cliff worked closely with board members to define strategic priorities and establish measurable performance goals. Staff objectives were aligned with these goals so that every part of the organization supported the broader mission of serving members and promoting professionalism in the real estate industry.
Business Operations and Financial Responsibility
In addition to serving as ORRA's CEO, Cliff also leads several related entities associated with the association. He serves as President and CEO of the Orlando Regional Real Estate Network (ORREN), which operates as the association’s for-profit subsidiary. He also serves as CEO of ORRA’s foundation.
This leadership structure allows Cliff to guide both the organization’s mission-driven initiatives and its business operations under one coordinated strategy.
Financial stability has been a consistent focus throughout his leadership. Within ORRA’s for-profit division, Cliff reduced operating losses during his first year and expanded non-dues revenue by introducing new partnerships and services.
Leadership Achievements Earlier in His Career
At the Birmingham Association of REALTORS®, he eliminated a long-standing 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 MLS to a zero-debt position.
At the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS®, Cliff improved financial performance by tripling the year-end operating surplus within 18 months. The association also achieved 156 percent of its Political Action Committee fundraising goal during his leadership. These accomplishments strengthened advocacy efforts for real estate professionals across Florida.
Advocacy and Industry Participation
In the real estate profession, Realtor Cliff Long from Orlando has helped strengthen ORRA’s involvement in public policy discussions on housing and property ownership. Under his leadership, the association expanded participation in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee and built relationships with elected officials.
Cliff also supported international outreach by organizing trade missions to regions including Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Latin America. These missions helped introduce Central Florida real estate opportunities to international investors and professionals.
His work has received recognition from several organizations. He was named CEO of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2014 and again by the Orlando Business Journal in 2019. He has also received Global Diamond, Gold, and Silver Awards from the National Association of REALTORS®.
Community Engagement and Mentorship
Cliff Long from Orlando has also remained active in civic and community initiatives. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Orlando Economic Partnership and is a member of the Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Sports. His involvement in these organizations reflects a commitment to regional economic growth and community development.
He also served as a School Board Trustee for Orange County Public Schools, supporting initiatives related to public education and workforce preparation.
Cliff founded the Junior Reserve Law Enforcement Program to help young people explore careers in law enforcement. The program offers mentorship, training opportunities, and certifications that help participants gain early exposure to the field while building connections with law enforcement professionals.
Personal Life and Leadership Values
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Cliff Long from Orlando values his role as a husband of more than 25 years and a father. These personal responsibilities influence his leadership style, which emphasizes stability, honesty, and long-term relationships.
When he is not working, he enjoys riding motorcycles, hunting and fishing, reading leadership books, traveling, and maintaining a consistent health and fitness routine.
His career reflects steady leadership and a commitment to building organizations that remain financially stable and prepared to serve their members and communities for many years to come.
Portfolio: https://clifflongorlando.com
Portfolio 2: https://cliff-long.com
