C-Level Awards 2026: Tracy Johnson, President & CEO, Commercial Association of REALTORS Wisconsin

Tracy Johnson has led the Commercial Association of REALTORS® Wisconsin (CARW) as President & CEO since 2014, guiding the statewide membership organization through more than a decade of growth and industry engagement.

Founded in 1993, CARW represents more than 1,000 commercial real estate professionals from over 400 companies. The organization advances the industry through research, education and policy advocacy, and serves as Wisconsin’s exclusive partner of Moody’s CRE, providing members with market data, analytics and marketing resources.

Under Johnson’s leadership, CARW has expanded beyond traditional association activities to commission research on construction timelines, development processes and infrastructure investment’s economic impact. That work has informed conversations among developers, policymakers and community leaders and has supported municipalities working to attract investment.

Johnson has also prioritized the industry’s talent pipeline. Through university partnerships and programs like NextGen, CARW connects students and emerging professionals with practitioners and projects early in their careers. The association’s partnership with Moody’s further equips members with economic and real estate data to better serve their clients.

CARW’s community impact has extended beyond business. When Southeast Wisconsin faced devastating floods, CARW members stepped up to help nearly 100 families recover.

Johnson brings a philosophy rooted in accountability and hard work to her role. “I’m action-oriented and tend to look towards execution on any task,” she has said. “I’ve learned that the easy path rarely gets you very far—choose the hard work, do it well, and you’ll be better for it.”

Before joining CARW, Johnson served as Executive Director of TEMPO Milwaukee, Director of Public Affairs at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Director of Communications at the Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association.

Johnson is active across the region, serving on boards including VISIT Milwaukee, HOAN, Scouting America Three Harbors Council, the Medical College of Wisconsin Neuroscience Board, the Wisconsin Policy Forum Economic Development Committee and the City of Mequon Economic Development Committee, among others.