The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce CEO announces retirement

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, Karen Hoylman, has announced her plans to retire at the end of the Chamber’s fiscal year August 31, 2015, after over 21 years of service to the organization. Hoylman will work with the Executive Search planning team to find a replacement.

Hoylman has been CEO of The Chamber since 1996, replacing U. S. Congressman Kevin Brady. “It has been such fun and so rewarding to work with this community as it has grown from the 24,000 people when I arrived, to well over 100,000 today. I have enjoyed working with the business community and am proud of all we have accomplished,” said Hoylman. “Our Chamber has grown tremendously as well, and today we have over 2,400 companies who participate with us. I am excited to turn our organization over to the next generation to continue to move us forward for the next 20 years.”

Hoylman helped launch many of our community organizations and services including The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Woodlands Area Film Commission, Leadership Montgomery County, The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership and Education for Tomorrow Alliance, as well as assisting many other start-up agencies. She initiated The Chamber’s Information Centers at The Woodlands Mall and Market Street which assist over 120,000 guests and tourists each year. Hoylman has lent her business expertise to other organizations by serving on many community, state, and national advisory committees and boards.

In addition, The Chamber, under her leadership, has formulated many programs and projects to help members develop their business contacts and skills. “Karen has been a truly outstanding CEO of the Chamber. Her leadership has played an integral part in growing a once small suburban organization, to the second largest chamber in the Houston Area,” said Danny Schroder, current Chamber Chairman. “She has fostered an environment that has allowed our members to thrive and benefit the community. As The Woodlands area has grown, Karen has managed The Chamber's growth right alongside it through many changes and challenges. Karen will be missed tremendously, but we wish her well and congratulate her on a fantastic job as CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.”

“Rhese and I will miss our Chamber friends, but we are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives as we travel, enjoy our community and our family,” added Hoylman.