HOUSTON — (Realty News Report) – René Galvan has become President and CEO of the Houston Association of Realtors following the retirement of Bob Hale who led the real estate organization for 37 years.
Galvan, a graduate of the University of Texas, had served as HAR’s Executive Vice President since 1998.
HAR, the first major real estate association to place residential listings online in the 1990s, is the second-largest local Realtors association in the nation, second only to Miami’s association.
Hale, who retired on Jan. 31 after 53 years of service to the association and was honored by the board with the title of CEO Emeritus.
“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.”
Early in his career, Galvan worked alongside Bob Hale to help shape the original concept for the HAR.com website.
Launched in 1997, the website helped establish HAR as one of the nation’s most recognized local real estate associations and now covers the entire state of Texas, providing expanded exposure for member listings. HAR.com draws an average of 8 million visitors each month and remains the most visited real estate website in the Houston market.
During Galvan’s tenure as Executive Vice President, the association expanded member services while maintaining dues unchanged for the past 23 years.
“I am most proud of building a team of incredible professionals and staying focused on our mission of helping members succeed,” Galvan said. “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.”
Feb. 9, 2026 Realty News Report Copyright 2026
Image: Courtesy HAR
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File: René Galvan Becomes HAR President and CEO