After more than 30 years with the company, Jackie Thiel will be leaving Long & Foster Real Estate for her next chapter. Thiel, who led Long & Foster’s general brokerage division as its president since early 2023, has taken a new position in Florida, and will be relocating at the end of September.

“Jackie brings a steady calmness and professionalism that has been essential to our success. Throughout the changes we’ve navigated at Long & Foster and in our industry, Jackie has remained singularly focused on the most important part of our mission: the growth and success of our agents and employees and the delivery of a customer experience that is unmatched and memorable,” said Patrick Bain, CEO and President of The Long & Foster Companies, parent company of Long & Foster Real Estate. “While we are saying goodbye to an incredible leader, I am grateful for and proud of the friendship that Jackie and I have built and what we have accomplished together at Long & Foster – which I know will live on far beyond whatever the future holds.”

Thiel joined the Long & Foster family in 1998 when the brokerage acquired her then-firm, Bowers Nelms & Fonville. During her tenure, she held numerous leadership roles throughout the brokerage enterprise. Thiel is known throughout the organization and industry as a positive, growth-minded professional who is dedicated to building a culture of mentoring and support at all levels. Her ability to effectively collaborate across all levels enabled her to drive continuous improvement and growth through new and ongoing initiatives. 

“Leaving our company and its amazing people was not an easy decision, but I know Long & Foster is well prepared and has a bright future ahead under the continued leadership of our CEO, Patrick Bain. Over the past 18 months, Patrick has brought to life a vision that’s united us and strengthened our company and culture,” Thiel said. “With Patrick and our exceptional leadership teams guiding Long & Foster, the next chapters of its story will be filled with even greater achievements.”

One of Thiel’s key accomplishments during her time as president of Long & Foster Real Estate was her work in helping Bain and the company’s leadership team to shape Long & Foster’s vision for the future. Thiel played a vital role in developing strategic initiatives to further Long & Foster’s mission and transform the homeownership journey. Guided by feedback from the company’s sales associates and employees, they built a solid path forward: a streamlined, agent-centric, all-inclusive real estate experience that brings together everything and everyone needed to buy, sell, rent and own a home.

Long & Foster will begin a search for its next real estate leader in the weeks ahead.