Karen Pharr, CPM®, is president of the IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) Foundation. Karen earned her CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation from IREM in 1997. She’s a Texas Real Estate Broker, and a New Mexico Qualifying Broker.
Her career in property management spans more than 30 years. Over the span of her career, she’s managed all property types, including commercial, residential, industrial, and medical buildings. She’s the former principal/partner of Hiett, Pharr & Associates where she managed the day-to-day operations of the firm as well as the property management portfolio. Her current position is Director of Property Management for Insite Properties, LLC, where she oversees a portfolio consisting of mixed use and medical office buildings for owner/investor, third party, and institutional clients.
Ms. Pharr serves her profession and the community by staying involved with organizations in El Paso as well as on a regional and national scale. Currently she’s the 2022 IREM Foundation Board President and recently served as IREM Foundation Vice President, IREM El Paso Chapter Vice President, and IREM Governing Councilor. She’s had the honor of holding the positions of IREM Region 7 Vice President, and Chairman of the National IREM Ethical Inquiry Board, among other committee assignments within IREM throughout the span of her career.
Her articles have been published in the Journal of Property Management, and she’s instructed courses in property management through the TREC approved course curriculum. Her other professional memberships include the El Paso Apartment Association, and Greater El Paso CCIM Chapter. On a more personal level, she’s devoted her time and energy to causes that enrich her community such as serving as past president of the Junior Woman’s Club of El Paso, member of the Downtown Lions Club, Friend of the El Paso Opera, and member of Progress321.