NARI Metro DC was today delivered notice that two days ago the association's National Board of Directors voted to "terminate" its "chapter agreement"  for what the Board had "determined" was an inability on the part of chapter leadership to "maintain a positive and productive working relationship with NARI National."

In its letter, signed by current National President Dennis Gehman, the Board states its expectation that the chapter will "discontinue any use of reference to the NARI name, logo, NARI collateral, and all NARI published or copyrighted materials." It goes on to request that the chapter deliver its "membership roster, including all contact information promptly." 

The notice's final paragraph outlines National's plan to "convert" all current Metro DC chapter members to At-Large members, adding that it will be at "no additional charge to them." Members that remain affiliated with NARI National can expect to, as the letter explains, "receive benefits from NARI National until their expire date of January 1, 2022, after which membership renewal will be offered." 

As of the writing of this article, NARI National had not responded to a request for comment. The association's decision to disaffiliate the Metro DC chapter appears to run counter to previous statements NARI provided regarding a misaddressed email sent by Board Chairman Doug King that discussed possible "motions and votes to dissolve chapters." In its statement, NARI claimed, "the views expressed were solely those of an individual and do not reflect the views or direction of the NARI Board."

When asked if his chapter had been notified of the Board's intention to hold the vote, NARI Metro DC President Michael Sauri responded, "no." As a Board member himself, Sauri would've have typically had a say in making such a decision, but claimed he was recused. "I’ve been recused from five board meetings forcibly due to what they refer to as 'conflict of interest,'" he explained. 

Word From NARI Metro DC 

In reaction to the notice, Sauri today published a video denouncing National's decision to members. Sauri challenges the Board's reasons for termination, saying, "The simple truth is that they have rebuffed and refused multiple asks to meet, to discuss, to come together." Sauri indicated the chapter intends to continue serving its members.  

NARI Metro DC leadership intends to meet Monday, May 24, to discuss strategy moving forward.  

This is an ongoing story and Professional Remodeler will continue to gather, verify, and publish the newsworthy facts as quickly as diligence allows.

If any readers have additional information relevant to this developing story they'd wish to share, we invite you to contact our managing editor at [email protected].