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In June, Lone Star College hired Shantha Stokes as its new chief mental health officer. In an interview with Community Impact, Stokes reflected on the challenges and successes she's faced during her first year, as well as the new initiatives planned for next semester. 

More details: Some of the questions asked by Community Impact include: 

• What are your responsibilities as Lone Star College’s chief mental health officer?
• What initiatives does Lone Star College have currently to prioritize faculty and student mental health?
• What challenges have you faced, if any, and what do you hope to accomplish next semester?

Christian Brothers Automotive will celebrate its opening in Willis with a celebration Feb. 9 at 1 p.m., according to a Feb. 9 news release.

The details: The automotive repair franchise has over 330 locations and services include routine maintenance like tune-ups and scheduled services to specialized repairs, including AC systems, transmissions and electrical diagnostics.

Quote of note: “Opening Christian Brothers Automotive Willis is an exciting next chapter for our family,” owner Cliff Mayton said via news release. “After more than 20 years serving in law enforcement as a police officer, Texas State Trooper and Union Pacific Railroad special agent, I’m honored to bring my experience, values and commitment to service to my second CBA shop, creating a place where our neighbors can trust they’ll be treated with integrity, respect and care.”

• 10771 W. FM 1097, Willis

The Houston Association of Realtors has named René Galvan as its new president and CEO, the first leadership change in more than three decades after longtime executive Bob Hale retired Jan. 31, according to a Feb. 2 news release.

What we know: Galvan has been part of HAR’s leadership team since 1996 and served as executive vice president since 1998, per the release. HAR officials said he worked alongside Hale early in his career to help shape the original concept for HAR.com, which launched in 1997 and has since expanded statewide.

In the release, Galvan said his focus will be strengthening the services and tools the association’s roughly 50,000 members use “in this rapidly changing real estate environment.”

HAR said Hale—who served as president and CEO for 37 years—retired after 53 years with the association. The board honored him with the title of CEO emeritus, and Hale said he was confident the organization is “in excellent hands” with Galvan leading it.

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings.

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