December 06, 2019 — Austin

Texas REALTORS® announced today that Tray Bates has been named vice president of governmental affairs to lead the state association’s highly successful political, legislative and fundraising efforts.

Bates, a third-generation commercial real estate broker, has for years been a strong advocate for real estate consumers in his former roles as chairman of Texas REALTORS® and several key leadership positions at local, state, and national levels of the REALTOR® organization.

“Tray holds the unique combination of firsthand industry knowledge, experience as an exemplary leader in the REALTOR® organization and acumen in REALTOR® public policy positions and consumer engagement initiatives,” said Texas REALTORS® President/CEO Travis Kessler. “As we head into our 100th anniversary in 2020, his strategic vision will bring the association’s advocacy efforts to new heights.”

Bates succeeds Mark Lehman, who is retiring at the end of 2019 after more than 21 years of service to the REALTOR® organization.

“I could not be happier that Tray Bates has been chosen to carry on the mantle,” Lehman said. “He understands the association’s culture and our dedication to the American Dream of Homeownership. He is passionate about the public policy issues that drive this association and for over a decade he has championed these issues in the halls of government at every level.”