Casey and Hanna IV lead this dominant, family-owned real estate business, which operates in 13 states east of the Mississippi River. Casey, the daughter of the firm’s co-founders, and Hoby, their grandson, lead Howard Hanna, the nation’s largest privately owned real estate company.

The company has nearly 13,000 agents at nearly 400 company-owned and franchised offices who do over $40 billion in annual sales.

The firm has executed a steady growth strategy, which it has adapted in recent years to include a partnership structure in which it takes a majority stake in companies but leaves some equity with leaders of acquired firms, such as it did with Rand Realty and Allen Tate Realtors. Both of these firms have made acquisitions under their respective brands in recent years.

In addition, the firm operates in-house ancillary services, which are deeply embedded in all of its locations and a key part of its steady, profitable performance. The firm’s franchise division remains a relatively untapped tool for growth.

For their continued aggressive acquisition growth, solid fundamentals, and innovative offerings, the two Howard Hanna leaders are recognized collectively as the ninth most powerful leaders in the residential real estate industry. Brief bios of each follow.

Helen Hanna Casey

Helen, who began working at Howard Hanna in 1975, serves as CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, where she plays a large role in developing the firm’s marketing efforts. She was the first woman elected as president of West Penn Multi-List and the first woman to serve as chair of the NAR Real Estate Services Advisory Group. She is a graduate of Georgian Court University. Casey has frequently ranked as the industry’s most powerful woman leader.

Howard W. “Hoby” Hanna, IV

In 2023, Hoby formally became CEO of Howard Hanna. Hoby is a third-generation member of the Hanna real estate family, and his leadership has been instrumental in the firm’s recent growth and expansion. He has held leadership positions in many areas of the company as he has progressed in leadership.