We, concerned members and supporters of the West Virginia Association of Realtors, WVAR as well as agents and brokers representing other real estate boards within West Virginia, call for the immediate resignation of Raymond Joseph from his position as Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Joseph has abused his position of power and created a toxic culture within the state association, that can only be changed with new leadership.  For over 20 years Mr. Joseph has been gaining control and running a fiefdom in the organization through intimidation and retaliation. 

1.      In 2007 the Kanawha Valley Board, at the advice of counsel, hired an attorney from Jackson Kelly Law Firm to investigate staff complaints about Ray Joseph's supposed inappropriate sexual advances comments to a staff member. Similar commentary circulated from other Kanawha Valley Board members. The KVBR Executive Officer had complained often of similar commentary but more about the bullying approach to policies and procedures that aligned more with WVAR than KVBR. The investigator’s review was issued sometime later with evidence Mr. Joseph acted inappropriately with the KVBR staff. When the investigative report was delivered, the KVBR staff members had moved on. The KVBR Executive Director left due to the badgering and deliberate attempts by Mr. Joseph to damage her credibility.  The KVBR has the investigative report and communication from staff over a long period of Mr. Joseph’s predatory practices. The findings were presented to the State executive committee and the National executive committee and counsel. Mr. Joseph remained in his position and allegedly a payout and NDA was agreed to. 

2.     In 2022, a WVAR employee directly under Mr. Joseph filed a civil suit against him for toxic and hostile work environment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and general harassment. In the complaint 6 victims came forward to detail their experience with Mr. Joseph. These complaints included Mr. Joseph asking numerous women including employees to “show him their breasts”. According to the complaint he asked for sexual favors from employees including oral sex. Employees were expected to perform sexual favors and “visit his hotel room” if he paid for their business trips etc. He has a history of hiring and preying on vulnerable women. Since the filing of the suit there are allegedly 19 more women signed up. Some of whom are other past employees. 

3.     According to a source one woman stated “in writing” Mr. Joseph begged her to stop by the office after hours to talk. She claimed he engaged her continuously on the mobile phone until she returned home an hour away.  She claimed that Mr. Joseph made crude comments and sexual advances after seeing her picture on Facebook in a bathing suit.   Mr. Joseph later stated after meeting this female in person he was no longer interested because she was too “fat” for him. 

4.     A history of retaliation, Mr. Joseph is known to retaliate against anyone that speaks against him. Members have been known to be removed from national committees for speaking against him. Local boards have been the target of his retaliation.

5.     Lack of Accountability: Multiple times throughout Mr. Joseph’s tenure, property taxes have been paid late and hefty fines have been paid out, Mr. Joseph continually files his Ethics reports late and incurs fines, Mr. Joseph files his lobbyist reports and registrations late yearly incurring fines. There are rumors of him using WVAR funds for his own personal use.

6.     Negative Impact on Members' Reputation: The ongoing controversies surrounding Mr. Joseph reflect poorly on all members associated with the state association and every local association.

7.     Upholding Ethical Standards: As chief executive officer it is essential that Mr. Joseph upholds ethical standards both personally and professionally.

We, the undersigned, demand that Raymond Joseph resign from his position as Chief Executive of WVAR immediately. Together, let us ensure that WVAR remains an organization dedicated to promoting professionalism, equality, and respect within the real estate industry.