After she helped represent more than 500 businesses in one of the fastest growing areas of Texas, Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce President Mary Evans stepped down Dec. 9.

When Evans became president in 2009, she brought more than 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations and event planning from within the commercial real estate industry. Heading up the chamber, her skill set not only helped businesses become more successful but address the issues of transportation and school finance on members' behalf.

"Having that relationship with legislators and superintendent of schools and Lone Star College has been a unique and overwhelming experience for me," Evans said. "Just to work with all of those individuals and help tackle some of the big issues the community has faced was a great experience."

A key issue the chamber focused on while Evans was president related to transportation, she said.

"The ongoing expansion of Hwy. 290 and Segment E. of the Grand Parkway were huge," Evans said. "Now that the funding has been allocated for 290 construction, there are going to be so many projects starting in 2012, which will alleviate some congestion."

Accommodating Cy-Fair ISD's growth was another ongoing topic that the chamber followed.

"Education-wise, we still need to get the funding a little more equitable across the board," Evans said. "There is more money for some school districts than others and we need to narrow the gap."

As for her future, Evans said the market is right to reenter the assets management field of commercial real estate.

"Mary has been instrumental in bringing a professional and influential perception to the chamber and in helping to raise the chamber's visibility to the greater community," said J. Mark Sappington, chairman of the chamber's board in a press release. "We all appreciate her professionalism, her dedication and her hard work in the many issues and demands of the chamber. And personally, she has been wonderful to work with over the past two and a half years. Her departure saddens us all, and she will be greatly missed."

According to the chamber, it will name a new president by February.