Jim Vater

Vice President, Land Development

Jim guides the land planning and day-to-day development operations of Southstar. His career spans over 35 years and includes not only land planning but also project management, feasibility analysis and master planned community development. Working closely with civil engineers, architects and landscape architects, Jim shepherds projects from initial design through governmental approval and construction. And his experience navigating complex legal and governmental issues — such as the creation of public utility districts, water improvement districts and tax increment reinvestment zones — places him on a whole other level of development expertise. Jim also brings a wealth of knowledge about the Central Texas region. His familiarity with the area and its people provides insights that lead to positive outcomes both for Southstar’s projects and the surrounding community. Jim graduated from the Fluor Engineering Design School, where he studied civil and structural engineering. He has an associate degree in architecture and completed his education at The University of Houston. Jim is also a certified outdoor enthusiast with a love for camping, hiking, hunting and, most of all, fishing.