About Cliff Long Of Orlando

Chief Executive Officer at Orlando Regional REALTOR Association

Cliff Long from Orlando assumed the role of CEO of the Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association (ORRA) in December 2017, during a period when Central Florida was experiencing steady population and housing growth. The association serves real estate professionals across the region, and its work plays an important role in supporting the industry. Since becoming CEO, he has focused on strengthening the organization’s structure, expanding member services, and maintaining financial stability.

Cliff Long, from Orlando, leads ORRA, which is recognized as the 8th-largest REALTOR® association in America. His leadership has emphasized clear goals, responsible governance, and practical strategies that support both members and the organization's long-term stability.

A Career Built on Executive Experience

Before joining ORRA, Cliff spent more than 20 years as a chief executive at both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Throughout his career, he has worked with organizations that required financial recovery, operational improvements, and stronger strategic planning.

His leadership approach centers on accountability and consistent communication with boards and staff. Cliff has often taken on roles where organizations needed clear direction and stronger financial discipline. By focusing on measurable outcomes and responsible planning, he has helped guide organizations toward improved performance and stability.

These experiences helped prepare him to lead a large professional association serving a rapidly expanding real estate market.

Growing Membership and Services

As CEO, Cliff Long from Orlando oversees an organization with an annual operating budget exceeding $13 million. ORRA includes nearly 40 staff members, along with consultants who support more than 20,000 real estate professionals throughout Central Florida. The association offers services including professional education, advocacy, guidance on professional standards, and international engagement.

When Cliff first stepped into the role of CEO, ORRA had approximately 14,500 members. Over time, membership increased to more than 20,000, marking the association's largest growth period in its history.

Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization continued to grow. In 2020 alone, ORRA experienced an 11.5 percent increase in membership, making it the fastest-growing mega association in America during that year.

Strengthening Governance and Direction

One of Cliff’s priorities was strengthening governance and ensuring that ORRA maintained clear strategic goals. Large organizations require strong coordination between leadership boards and operational teams to remain focused.

Cliff worked with board members to establish measurable objectives and align staff responsibilities with those priorities. This structure helped the organization remain organized while continuing to expand its programs and services.

These governance improvements allowed the association to maintain stability during a time of significant membership growth.

Development of the ORRA Headquarters

During Cliff’s leadership, ORRA completed a major project involving the purchase and relocation to a new 45,000-square-foot headquarters. The project required detailed financial planning, coordination with lenders, and collaboration with the association’s board.

Cliff guided the planning and execution of the project while ensuring that the facility supported the association’s long-term needs. The headquarters includes tenant-revenue space designed to diversify income and strengthen financial sustainability.

Today, the facility serves as a central location for education programs, professional meetings, and industry collaboration for real estate professionals across Central Florida.

Financial Leadership and Business Expansion

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), which operates as the association’s for-profit subsidiary. He also serves as CEO of ORRA’s foundation.

This structure allows him to coordinate both business operations and mission-driven initiatives under a unified strategy.

Financial discipline has been a key part of his leadership. Within ORRA’s for-profit division, Cliff reduced operating losses during his first year and increased non-dues revenue by introducing new services and partnerships. One of these initiatives included the creation of Platinum Key Title Company, which helped provide an additional revenue stream for the association.

Industry Engagement and Public Policy

In the real estate profession, Realtor Cliff Long from Orlando has helped strengthen ORRA’s role in public policy discussions on housing and property ownership. Under his leadership, participation in the REALTOR® Political Action Committee increased, and the association developed stronger communication with elected officials.

Cliff 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.

His work has received recognition from several organizations, including being named CEO of the Year by the Birmingham Business Journal in 2014 and again by the Orlando Business Journal in 2019.

Community Involvement and Personal Life

Cliff Long from Orlando has remained active in community initiatives throughout the region. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Orlando Economic Partnership and sits on the Board of Directors for Florida Citrus Sports. He also served as a School Board Trustee for Orange County Public Schools, supporting education and workforce development.

Cliff founded the Junior Reserve Law Enforcement Program to give young people interested in law enforcement careers the opportunity to gain mentorship and training.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, he enjoys riding motorcycles, hunting and fishing, reading leadership books, traveling, and maintaining a consistent health and fitness routine. His leadership continues to emphasize stability, responsibility, and service to the real estate professionals and communities he supports.