HOUSTON — The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority removed longtime CEO Janis Burke as the head of the organization, following calls for a change in leadership by city and county leaders.
Burke had served as CEO since 2006 and oversaw major sporting events coming to Houston in that time.
Hours before the Sports Authority's Board of Directors was set to consider her removal, Houston Mayor John Whitmire held a news conference at City Hall along with county leaders and the heads of the city's professional sports venues.
"We come together today to say we can do better, we must do better," Whitmire said.
The mayor said the Sports Authority's intended purpose was to finance, build and maintain the city's pro sports venues. But Whitmire said individuals in the industry came to him concerned about the Sports Authority and expressed one message to him.
"We have to do something about the Sports Authority," Whitmire said about what was told to him. "They are away from their core mission, and each of the stadiums in town are great facilities, but they need major improvement if we're going to continue to attract major events."
Whitmire said the change in leadership would help the Sports Authority focus on maintaining current stadiums while also putting heavier focus on preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will have games in Houston.
Hours later, the HCHSA Board of Directors voted to remove Burke as CEO.
Board chairman J. Kent Friedman said in a statement the group thanked Burke for her years of service.
"Her efforts have elevated the status of our region to heights it has never been in the sports industry," Friedman said. "The HCHSA Board of Directors wishes Janis well in her future endeavors."
"I am deeply proud of what our very talented and passionate team have accomplished over the last almost-two decades," Burke said in a statement after the vote.
She went on to tout her accomplishments and their impact on Houston.
"In total, the Sports Authority team is responsible for hosting or helping to host events that brought a total of more than $2B in economic impact to our city and county during my time with the organization," Burke wrote. "That’s something I’m proud to have been a part of in partnership with our Board Members, staff, and community partners."
An interim CEO will be appointed by the board chairman but no timeline has been set for when that will be announced.