The Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) announced that President and CEO Bob Hale will retire in January 2026, bringing to a close 52 years of service to the organization – with 37 of them in the leadership role.
Hale joined HAR in 1973 as legal counsel and became president and CEO in 1988. Under his leadership, HAR grew to more than 51,000 members. HAR Executive Vice President René Galvan will succeed Hale effective on Jan. 31, 2026.
“This journey has been one that I will cherish for the rest of my life,” said Hale. “I could not think of anyone more qualified and driven than René Galvan to lead HAR through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the real estate industry.”
“This is a historic moment for HAR, and I am humbled to be serving in the company of a pioneering and respected leader and his successor, who has proven he has everything it takes and more to lead our organization into the future,” said HAR Chairman Thomas Mouton.