René Galvan succeeds Bob Hale as president, CEO of HAR

René Galvan was appointed president and CEO of the Houston Association of REALTORS®, replacing longtime leader Bob Hale.

Hale retired on Jan. 31 after 37 years as president and CEO. He first joined HAR leadership in 1996 and was a founder of HAR.com alongside Galvan, who has served as executive vice president of the organization since 1998.

Galvan is a certified public accountant with a degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was named on the Swanepoel 200 Watchlist and serves on boards including the American Society of Association Executives, the Finance Committee of the National Association of REALTORS® and the Public Policy Committee of Texas REALTORS®.

“As president and CEO, my priority is to continue strengthening our services, tools and support that our 50,000 members rely on in this rapidly changing real estate environment,” Galvan said in a press release.

Hale was named CEO Emeritus, an honorary title that recognizes exceptional service for former officers.

“This organization has been my life’s work,” Hale said. “I am proud of what we’ve built together and confident that HAR is in excellent hands with René Galvan as president and CEO.”