Houston – Transwestern today announces Larry P. Heard, CEO of Transwestern, has been honored with the 2019 Founder’s Award from SEARCH, a nonprofit committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness in the Houston area. Heard, who has been involved with SEARCH for the past 22 years, was recognized on April 18, 2019, at the organization’s annual luncheon featuring internationally acclaimed fashion designer Elie Tahari as a guest speaker.
“The honor has been all mine to be associated with such a noble cause and well-led organization as SEARCH,” said Heard. “SEARCH benefits from a clear mission and action-oriented people who have come together to accomplish amazing results. SEARCH works; it is as simple as that.”
Heard served on the SEARCH board of directors from 2002 to 2005, and he and his wife, Caroline Heard, chaired the organization’s annual luncheon in 2010. He was a member of a four-person Capital Campaign Leadership Team that helped SEARCH raise the funds necessary to purchase its current building at 2015 Congress Ave. in 2015.
“Larry has helped to advance SEARCH’s mission in countless ways over the years,” said Shelly Cyprus, SEARCH Founder and Chairman Emeritus. “He has a clear passion for helping the Houston community and embodies the SEARCH values in his daily life. We are so fortunate that he has chosen to dedicate his time and expertise to our organization, and thankful for the enthusiasm and wisdom he brings to everything he does.”
SEARCH is the region’s leading agency in helping people move from the streets into safe, stable housing and find jobs to break free from the cycle of poverty and homelessness. The organization’s efforts go beyond meeting basic needs to ensuring that clients obtain permanent housing, increase their income, and live a more healthful life. Since 2011, the number of people living on the streets or in overnight shelters in Houston has dropped 51% from approximately 8,400 to 4,100, despite the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey during that time.
In 1992, SEARCH opened a preschool, the House of Tiny Treasures, in response to the need for adult clients to have a safe, nurturing environment for their children while job searching or attending school. What began as a traditional daycare has evolved into a nationally accredited early childhood education center dedicated to serving children and families who are homeless or living in deep poverty.
Heard serves as CEO of the Transwestern family of companies, comprised of Transwestern Commercial Services, Transwestern Development Co. and Transwestern Investment Group. He and the Transwestern leadership team have elevated the firm’s presence locally and nationally by fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, evidenced by recognition as a “Best Place to Work” in market upon market, year after year and across the country, including in the Houston Business Journal for 15 consecutive years.
Heard has earned the respect of his colleagues, industry peers and the Houston business community. This esteem is reflected in the Houston Business Journal’s including him as one of the “Most Admired CEOs” in 2018 and national industry magazine Real Estate Forum recognizing him as one of “Commercial Real Estate’s Best Bosses” and as one of the ELITE 70, which honors the most influential executives in the industry.
ABOUT TRANSWESTERN
Transwestern is a privately held real estate firm of collaborative entrepreneurs who deliver a higher level of personalized service and innovative client solutions. The Transwestern enterprise comprises diversified real estate services, investment management and development companies. The fully integrated organization leverages competencies in office, industrial, retail, multifamily and healthcare to add value for investors, owners and occupiers of real estate. Transwestern has 34 U.S. offices and assists clients from more than 200 offices in 37 countries through strategic alliances with France-based BNP Paribas Real Estate and Canada-based Devencore. Experience Extraordinary at transwestern.com and @Transwestern.
Photo caption: Larry P. Heard, CEO of Transwestern, accepts the 2019 Founder’s Award from Thao Costis, SEARCH President and CEO.
Media Contact:
Stefanie Lewis
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stefanie.lewis@transwestern.com
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