Chamber CEO looking back on 20 years
As the longest-tenured president and CEO in the history of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, Karen Hoylman has been in the business of change for decades.
Hoylman has served as the chief staff member of the chamber for more than 20 years. From her post, she’s seen the community grow from about 24,000 residents to more than 100,000, and business has grown with it.
“We used to say there’s nothing to do after nine o’clock. Now, there’s probably more to do after nine. There wasn’t anything for young people to do, and now that’s changed,” Hoylman said. “It’s really become a hometown in every aspect, and that’s been the biggest change . . . We’re truly a city.”
From global corporations like Anadarko to late-night pubs like Local Pour, The Woodlands has seen tremendous busi-
ness growth in all sectors. Though the largest sector of the local economy is oil and gas, which makes up 32 percent of the major employers, Hoylman has seen the most growth in the retail and hospitality sector.
Daniel Schroder, chairman of the chamber, has worked with Hoylman over the last four years. He said that one of Hoylman’s greatest achievements was the integration of large corporations into the chamber.
“Large companies are generally going to be part of organizations and participate in events that impact or may have an effect on a much larger region than just our tiny community,” Schroder said. “So the challenge for Karen was demonstrating the value of being part of the chamber in The Woodlands and what it can do for its employees and for business itself. She’s been able to demonstrate that value.”
When Hoylman became president and CEO of the chamber in 1996, she succeeded Kevin Brady, who held that position for more than 11 years. He went on to become the U.S. representative for the eighth congressional district, which includes The Woodlands. Though Brady went into politics, he continued to work with Hoylman.
“Karen has done a tremendous job as president of the chamber, and you see that not only in the explosive growth of chamber members, but growth in the chamber’s influence in the region, in its creation of a very business climate and its close work with the economic development partnership to bring new industry to the area,” Brady said.
Hoylman would facilitate business listening sessions, roundtables and conferences where chamber members could have their industry concerns heard by Brady. From there, Brady was able to take the local business concerns and rally for his constituents on Capitol Hill.
Hoylman is expected to retire by the end of August. She is currently a director at The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau and has been involved with The Woodlands Area Film Commission, Leadership Montgomery and other organizations.
Hoylman’s retirement marks the chamber’s second high-profile departure.
Earlier this month, a new chairman was appointed for the 2015-16 fiscal year, which starts Sept. 1. J.J. Hollie, the vice president of financial viability, will succeed Schroder as the chamber’s chairman this fall.
“It was time to turn it over, things are good here at the chamber, and I’d rather do it now when things are really good and we’re young enough to go ahead and go out and do other things. It’s a longterm decision you make when you get into that age range,” Hoylman said.
Hoylman hopes to spend her retirement years traveling and spending time with her husband, who is semi-retired, she said.