HOUSTON — The Harris County - Houston Sports Authority has a new CEO: Ryan Walsh.
The HCHSA Board of Directors voted on Friday to approve Walsh's appointment. Walsh currently serves as the CEO and executive director of the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. He's served in that role since 2018.
This comes just a month after HCHSA ousted longtime CEO Janis Burke, which happened following calls for a change in leadership by city and county officials.
During his time at the Sports Corporation, HCHSA said Walsh led the management, maintenance, and development of NRG Park, which is owned by the county.
"His leadership and track record for results will enable HCHSA to bring efficiency and transparency to position the region's sports facilities for maximum community benefit," the sports authority said in a news release.
Walsh said he's excited by the new opportunity.
"As I get started in this new role, 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," Walsh said.
The board's chairman, Juan Garcia, said they are very lucky to have Walsh.
"Ryan's experience and his track record of success at NRG Park line up with the mission of HCHSA as we continue to ensure our venues are maintained at the highest level in the increasingly competitive sports entertainment world," Garcia said.
Walsh takes the helm from Chris Canetti, who has served as interim CEO since October 14. Canetti will continue his role as president of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee.
