Hubbard Realty Announces CEO Transition Effective July 1, 2026

Winston-Salem, NC — July 1, 2026 — Hubbard Realty, one of Winston-Salem’s longest-standing family-owned real estate firms, announced today that Bruce R. Hubbard, who has served the company for more than 50 years, is stepping down as President & CEO. John-Lewis H. Godfrey will become the company’s next President & CEO effective July 1, 2026. Bruce has served as President & CEO since 2004 and Chairman of the Board since 2008 and will continue in that role, as well as Senior Advisor. 

Founded in 1950 by Lewis and Emma Hubbard, Hubbard Realty has grown into a multigenerational enterprise serving the Winston-Salem community and the broader region. After graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1972 and serving in the United States Army, Bruce joined Hubbard Realty full-time in 1975 as a sales agent. His responsibilities expanded steadily over the years to include sales management, marketing, relocation services, land acquisition and development, Builder Services, construction lending, investment acquisitions, and financing. 

Bruce has been deeply engaged in the local real estate community, serving several years as a Board Member of the Winston-Salem Regional Association of Realtors (WSRAR) and as its 1986 President, a representative to the NC Association of Realtors, and a Vice President and Board Member of the Home Builders Association of Winston-Salem (HBAWS). His contributions were recognized with the HBAWS Associate of the Year Award (1982), the WSRAR Realtor of the Year Award (1988), and the WSRAR Thomas W. Lambe Jr. Hall of Fame Award (2024). Beyond the industry, Bruce has served as a Deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Winston-Salem and as a member of the BB&T Local Advisory Board. 

Bruce expressed gratitude for the entrepreneurial guidance of his parents and the support of his brother Eddie and sister Beverly throughout his career. Above all, he gives thanks to Jesus Christ, Savior of the World, for the love of his life and wife of 53 years, Marsie; their two amazing daughters, Mary and Elizabeth; their wonderful sons-in-law; and their beloved grandchildren. 

John-Lewis Godfrey joined Hubbard Realty in 2013 and assumed the responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer. Over the past 13 years, he has led major operational improvements, strengthened internal systems, and built a high-performing leadership team. He has also been an active leader in the real estate community, serving as the 2022 President of WSRAR, Chairman of the Association’s Commercial & Industrial Division (2018), and Realtor of the Year (2024). He has also served on the HBAWS Board of Directors. 

“John-Lewis has demonstrated exceptional leadership, judgment, and commitment to the long-term success of Hubbard Realty,” said Bruce. “His work over the past decade has strengthened our operations and positioned the company for continued growth. I look forward to supporting him in my role as Chairman and Senior Advisor.” 

“It is an honor to continue the legacy my grandparents began in 1950,” said John-Lewis, incoming President & CEO. “Our team is strong, our foundation is solid, and our future is bright. I am grateful for Bruce’s mentorship and for the trust placed in me by our family, our board, and our partners.” 

Hubbard Realty will continue to focus on residential and commercial brokerage, property management, land acquisition and development, Builder Services, and long-term real estate investment strategies. The company remains committed to the values that have guided it for more than 75 years: integrity, service, and long-term relationships. 

For more information, please contact: Hubbard Realty Corporate Office Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 336-723-0303.