Karen Hoylman, President and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, will retire in August. Hoylman is stepping down after 21 years in her role. She served as membership director for three years prior to becoming CEO and replaced current U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, as chamber president.

Hoylman said she is stepping down as CEO to join her husband in his retirement.

“It’s just time in my life,” she said. “My husband and I are looking forward to our newfound freedom.”

Under Hoylman’s leadership, the chamber’s membership grew by 1,650 member businesses from 750 to 2,400, according to the chamber.

“We have just grown with the community,” Hoylman said. “As the community grew, our organization grew, so we’re helping in that process of growth.”

A executive search planning team is charged with finding Hoylman’s replacement. She will work with the team during the selection process.

Hoylman said the team began discussions in May to find her replacement and has begun soliciting resumes.

“There’s a standard criteria that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce [requires], so I’m sure the team will be discussing that,” Holyman said.

While Hoylman was president and CEO, she served on various organizational boards, 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, according to the chamber. She also helped launch the chamber’s information centers at The Woodlands Mall.