Ryan Walsh Named Harris County–Houston Sports Authority CEO

The Harris County–Houston Sports Authority has appointed Ryan Walsh as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Janis Burke, who held the post for 18 years before being removed in October.
Walsh takes over following the recent ouster of Burke, who was responsible for nearly two decades of high-profile events coming to Houston. The sports authority board voted in October to remove Burke as well as negotiate a settlement with her and a Houston law firm over her departure.

Walsh is currently the chief executive officer and executive director of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation, a position he has held since 2018. That organization was created to act on behalf of Harris County in managing, operating, maintaining and developing the sports and entertainment complex located on county-owned property known as NRG Park.

Walsh will be tasked with guiding the organization as it focuses on financing the capital improvement and maintenance of several of Houston’s professional sports venues and supporting sports-related events in Houston and Harris County.

“I’m excited and humbled by this incredible opportunity to lead the HCHSA,” said Walsh. “I look forward to fostering community engagement, working with our partners at the city, county and our professional sports teams and finding ways to increase the HCHSA’s oversight and contributions to the development and maintenance of our world-class sports facilities. Together, we’ll continue to elevate our region in the sports world. I’m ready to get to work.”
The Harris County–Houston Sports Authority operates under a different model than most sports commissions. In addition to attracting sports events to the city, it provides oversight to Houston’s professional sports venues.

“We are lucky to have Ryan lead HCHSA as we enter a very important time for sports in our region,” said Juan Garcia, chairman of the Board of the Directors for the HCHSA. “Ryan’s experience and his track record of success at NRG Park line up with the mission of the HCHSA as we continue to ensure our venues are maintained at the highest level in the increasingly competitive sports entertainment world.”

Walsh takes over for Chris Canetti who has served as interim CEO of the HCHSA since October 14. Canetti will continue to serve as president of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee.