HGAR CEO Lynda Fernandez Resigns Effective Dec. 26
WHITE PLAINS—Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors Chief Executive Officer Lynda Fernandez CAE, RCE, CIPS has notified the association’s Board of Directors and membership that she will be leaving her position effective Dec. 26, 2025.
In an email message sent to HGAR members on Oct. 30, Fernandez, who has served as the HGAR CEO since September 2023, stated: “After thoughtful and extensive consideration, I have made the difficult decision to pursue another professional opportunity. My resignation will be effective December 26, 2025.”
2025 HGAR President Vlora Sejdi said, “Lynda joined HGAR during a time of transformation and helped steer the association through meaningful change with focus and professionalism. Her leadership and clear vision strengthened our operations and set us up for continued success. While we’ll miss her partnership, we’re grateful for all she’s accomplished and wish her nothing but the best in this next chapter.”
Sejdi added: “Members should be confident that HGAR has a strong leadership team in place, great staff and clear direction with (2026 HGAR President) Rey Hollingsworth Falu taking over next year and continuing our momentum. We will keep everyone informed along the way.”
In her message to the HGAR membership, Fernandez detailed her accomplishments during her tenure. “Over the past two years, it has been an extraordinary privilege to serve this remarkable association and its dedicated members. Together, we have made significant strides to strengthen HGAR’s foundation and prepare it for the future:
- Launching a comprehensive and actionable strategic plan focused on advocacy, professionalism, member value, and community impact.
- Modernized governance and bylaws.
- Elevating and expanding our communications, programming, and events.
- Reinforcing HGAR’s commitment to delivering meaningful value, resources, and partnership to REALTORS® in the Hudson Valley, Bronx, Manhattan, and beyond.
- Strengthening our finances and balancing our budget.”
She concluded: “Most importantly, we built momentum, clarity of purpose, and a member-first value proposition that will continue to guide the organization well into the future. I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident that HGAR is positioned for continued strength and success. I remain fully committed to supporting a smooth transition and ensuring the important work underway continues without interruption. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership. Serving the HGAR community has been an honor I will always cherish, and this association, and each of you, will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Fernandez took over the role of HGAR CEO in September 2023 from HGAR Acting CEO and COO Jana Currier. She came to HGAR with more than 20 years of association management, government affairs, communications and international business development and after having served as CEO of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors. Fernandez was hired by HGAR to replace Richard Haggerty, who resigned as CEO in September 2022 to take on the position as CEO of HGAR subsidiary OneKey MLS effective Jan. 1, 2023.
Fernandez began her tenure as CEO of the Greater Louisville Association of Realtors on April 26, 2021, with 5,600 members, the largest local Realtor association in Kentucky. She led GLAR through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw its expansion that culminated with its merger with the Old Kentucky Home Board of Realtors in May 2023.
Previously, she held several posts with the Miami Association of Realtors, where she served as MIAMI’s Chief of Communications & Global from Sept. 2018 to April 2021. Previously, she was the Senior Vice President of Public Relations and International for MIAMI for almost 14 years.
Prior to her association with the Miami Association of Realtors, Fernandez worked in public relations for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Florida International University in Miami, FL, and a Master of Accounting Degree from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.
