Jim Carman, who oversaw more than $3 billion in development across The Woodlands, is stepping down as president of Howard Hughes Communities' Texas Region.

His last day in the full-time role will be Dec. 31. Howard Hughes Communities announced the departure Wednesday, Oct. 14, as part of what the company called an organizational realignment, Community Impact first reported. Drew Davis, chief operating officer of Howard Hughes Communities, will continue to oversee The Woodlands, Bridgeland and The Woodlands Hills.

Carman will shift to an advisory role. That transition begins Jan. 1, 2027.

Since joining the company in 2012, Carman led projects that reshaped commercial and residential development in the community. His portfolio included Hughes Landing, the 66-acre mixed-use development on Lake Woodlands; the revitalization of Grogan's Mill Village Center; and Creekside Park Village Center. He also advanced the Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands, which remains under construction with a 2027 completion target.

Carman oversaw the $565 million acquisition of The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway in 2019, according to Realty News Report. During his tenure, Bridgeland grew from roughly 6,000 residents to more than 30,000 and was named the 2024 Master Planned Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders. He also oversaw more than $1.1 billion in land sales across the company's Texas communities, Realty News Report reported.

Davis said in the announcement that he is grateful for Carman's nearly 15 years of service and will continue to work directly with the Houston team and community partners across all three communities.

Brad Bailey, chair of The Woodlands Township board of directors, praised Carman's involvement in the community in comments to Community Impact.

"Jim Carman understood that, and time and again, Jim showed up. He created long-term relationships and he gave back to our incredible community," Bailey said.

Beyond his corporate role, Carman serves as chairman of the board of the Montgomery County Food Bank and sits on the board of directors of the Greater Houston Partnership. He previously chaired The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce's board and was named a Hometown Hero by Interfaith of The Woodlands this year.

The leadership change comes as parent company Howard Hughes Holdings shifts toward what it calls an "asset light" real estate model. At a recent shareholder meeting, the company said it would exit non-core assets and sell stakes in operating assets and master-planned community land banks to institutional partners, Realty News Report reported.

Carman said in the announcement that he looks forward to sharing his experience in an advisory capacity as Davis and the team carry the work forward.