Honoring the Legacy of Fran Davis—Minnesota Realtor®, Advocacy Champion, and Community Leader
Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) is saddened to share that long-time association member and Coldwell Banker Realty agent Fran Davis has passed away. Fran's influence on our profession and community will be felt for generations. Over her 30+ year career, she built not only a reputation for excellence in real estate but also a legacy of advocacy, leadership, and service.
Fran’s professional life was defined by her deep commitment to the Realtor® organization at the local, state, and national levels. She championed the industry through her work with MNR, Minneapolis Area Realtors®, and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Fran gave generously to the Realtor® cause—investing both her time and money. She was inducted into both the Minnesota Realtors® Political Action Committee (MN-RPAC) Hall of Fame for $10,000 in lifetime contributions, and the NAR Hall of Fame at the $50,000 contribution tier—honors reserved for those whose investment in advocacy is nearly unmatched. Fran served as a Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) for many years, building relationships with Minnesota’s federal lawmakers.
Few understood the complexities of real estate policy as well as Fran. Paul Eger, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs at MNR, reflected on her impact: -L.png "Fran and others")
“Fran Davis was a legend. I don't use that description lightly. She understood the industry's issues—federal, state, and local—as well as anybody and was an outstanding communicator. As a Federal Political Coordinator, she was a complete professional…she knew how to have a conversation with elected officials that communicated the industry's priorities, while keeping the meeting loose and conversational. She modeled the approach that all FPCs should emulate.”
Eger also noted Fran’s unique ability to defuse tension and keep people on track, whether in a heated committee meeting or at the State Capitol. Her relationships with policy makers were a testament to her authenticity and credibility. If Fran attended a fundraiser, she seemed to know everyone in the room, and they were all happy to see her.
“[Fran] was caring and genuine,” Eger added. “It was always a good day when I had a meeting with Fran on my calendar."
Beyond real estate, Fran was deeply woven into the cultural and civic fabric of the Twin Cities. She served on the boards of the Guthrie Theater, Children’s Theatre, MinnPost, Women Winning, and the Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association. Her leadership and generosity earned recognition as one of Finance and Commerce’s “Top Ten Women in Finance,” and Mpls St. Paul Magazine’s “Volunteer of the Year.”
Please keep Fran Davis’ family and friends, especially her sister and business partner, Barb Davis, and teammate Jonna Kosalko, in your thoughts.
Minnesota Realtors® honors Fran Davis for her tireless service, remarkable achievements, and unwavering belief in the power of the real estate industry to strengthen both communities and democracy.
Pictured above (from L to R): Fran Davis with Former Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, MNR's Paul Eger, and former MNR Associate Legal Counsel and Government Affairs Director Ryan Hamilton