Sharon Smith, the longtime leader of the Quad City Area REALTORS (QCAR), has announced her retirement from the Bettendorf-based organization.
Ms. Smith will retire effective Friday, June 19, after 13 years as the Realtor association’s CEO.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the QCAR Board of Directors established a search committee in 2025 and conducted a national search. The board recently approved hiring Julie Lide, who is relocating to the Quad Cities with her family from Missouri, where she had led two smaller real estate associations, QCAR said in a news release Monday, May 11.
Ms. Lide was the executive for the Pulaski County Board of REALTORS and Lebanon Board of REALTORS. In April, she joined the QCAR team in downtown Bettendorf and has been working alongside Ms. Smith ahead of her retirement.
According to QCAR, Ms. Smith’s retirement marks the close of an extraordinary 47-year real estate career, in which she has served as a transformative leader through decades of change and growth. From the days of printed MLS (multiple listing service) books and locally owned brokerages to today’s modern real estate landscape, she has played an integral role in shaping the industry association that now serves more than 900 active licensed Realtors.
Ms. Smith launched her association career in 1979, delivering MLS books to local brokerages. Over the years, she has held many roles at QCAR, gaining experience in membership services, marketing, accounting, and operations. She also helped establish Homes Magazine, a valuable resource for consumers and Realtors in the local market, which was in publication for more than 30 years.
Ms. Smith became chief executive officer in 2013 after the organization went through a strategic leadership and organizational realignment.
Leaving her mark
The organization applauded her unwavering dedication to REALTOR members, surrounding communities, and business partners. The association said Ms. Smith’s contributions have helped shape not only QCAR but the broader real estate community throughout the bistate region.
“Sharon’s passion for empowering our REALTORS and her ability to lead with both vision and heart have left an indelible mark on our industry,” Realtor Amanda Yeggy, 2026 QCAR board president, said in the release. “Her legacy will continue to inspire our board of directors and future real estate leaders for years to come.”
Under her leadership, QCAR won a 2025 AARP challenge grant to increase local awareness and interest in accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The $15,000 grant led to an ADU Design Contest held last fall that was open to professionals and students alike.
Ms. Smith also has played a role in supporting local community initiatives through partnerships with Student Built Homes, United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Argrow’s House, Junior Achievement of the Heartland, QC Flood Awareness, Project NOW and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
“Serving the Quad City Area REALTORS for decades has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said in the release. “This organization has been more than a career, it has been family.”
She added: “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together and grateful for the relationships, partnerships, and friendships formed along the way. I have complete confidence in QCAR’s future and know the organization is in great hands moving forward.”
QCAR advocates for private property rights, promotes homeownership, and leads community-focused initiatives that support housing innovation and smart growth in the Quad Cities.
