Harris County-Houston Sports Authority CEO steps down after 18 years; Interim CEO appointed

HOUSTON – Janis Burke, CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA), has resigned after 18 years in the role.

The decision follows a settlement and mutual release agreement between Burke and the HCHSA that was approved by the board on Friday.

HCHSA Board Chairman J. Kent Friedman released the following statement:

“The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority and its Board of Directors would like to thank Janis Burke for her exceptional and groundbreaking 18-year tenure as CEO. Over the years, she has worked diligently to improve our world-class facilities and transform Houston and Harris County into premier destinations for domestic and international sporting events. Her leadership has generated over $2 billion in economic activity for the community and strengthened our region’s standing in the sports industry. The HCHSA board wishes Janis all the best in her future endeavors.”

On Monday, Friedman announced that Houston sports executive Chris Canetti has been named interim CEO of HCHSA. Canetti, who currently serves as President of the FIFA World Cup 26 Houston Host Committee, will continue in that role while also assuming interim CEO responsibilities at HCHSA.

“Chris has a proven track record in Houston,” Friedman said. “We are confident that his experience will effectively lead the organization and ensure all obligations and responsibilities are met during this transition period.”

Before leading Houston’s efforts to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canetti served as president of the city’s World Cup bid committee and spent 13 seasons with the Houston Dynamo, including eight as team president.

Canetti will assume his role as interim CEO with immediate effect. In the meantime, the HCHSA Board will form a special committee to identify and hire a permanent CEO.