RODEOHOUSTON Names Amber Burda COO, General Manager
RODEOHOUSTON Names Amber Burda Chief Operating Officer, General Manager
- Burda will manage divisions like ticketing, sponsorships, and the annual rodeo experience.
- The new role aims to align operations, programming, and revenue strategies with the organization's mission.
- Burda will work with leadership to support future development and enhance the guest experience.
HOUSTON — Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has named Amber Burda chief operating officer and general manager, creating a new executive position as the organization advances several major initiatives.
Burda, who previously served as chief revenue officer, will oversee several divisions connected to the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Her responsibilities include the organization’s Mission division, show operations, ticketing, sponsorships, stadium presentation for rodeo and entertainment, and the Carnival, presented by First Community.
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The new position is intended to improve coordination between those divisions and align event operations, programming, pricing and revenue strategies with RODEOHOUSTON’s
mission and long-term plans. Burda will also focus on operational efficiency and maintaining a safe and welcoming experience for families.
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“As the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues to expand its impact, it is essential that our leadership structure reflects both the complexity of our annual event and the transformational opportunities ahead,” RODEOHOUSTON President and CEO Chris Boleman said in the announcement.
Boleman cited Burda’s experience in sponsorships, ticketing, business development and large-scale event operations as preparation for the newly created role.
“Amber has a proven ability to bring people, partners, volunteers and departments together around a shared goal,” Boleman said.
Burda’s appointment comes as RODEOHOUSTON moves forward with plans for a new livestock and agricultural complex on property along Highway 288.
Announced June 24, the multiyear project represents the largest single facilities investment in the organization’s more than 90-year history. Construction is expected to span several years, with the goal of welcoming guests in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
RODEOHOUSTON said Burda will work closely with Boleman, the chairman of the board, the Executive Committee and the organization’s chief strategic officer to ensure future development across Reliant Park supports the annual event. That work will also focus on improving the experience for volunteers, staff, partners, sponsors, exhibitors and guests.
Burda joined RODEOHOUSTON in 2017 as executive director of sponsorships, business and corporate development. In that role, she led the creation, negotiation and execution of the organization’s official sponsorships.
She was promoted to chief revenue officer in 2023, overseeing ticketing, corporate and business partnerships, and official sponsors. Burda also helped guide revenue growth strategies involving stadium seating, grounds admission, sponsorship sales, the Carnival and new business opportunities.
Burda earned a degree in hospitality administration from Stephen F. Austin State University. She began her career at Reliant Park with SMG, working in event services and coordination.
She later spent more than six years with Mattress Firm, managing and expanding relationships involving hundreds of events nationwide before returning to the fair, rodeo and event industry.
Her honors include being named a Houston Business Journal Women Who Mean Business honoree and a Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree. She has also received Stephen F. Austin State University’s Outstanding Young Alumna award.
The 2027 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is scheduled for March 2-21.
