Jim Winne
On June 1, 2017, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo board of directors elected Jim Winne as its chairman of the board.
A Rodeo member since 1980, Winne began volunteering for the organization as a member of the Calf Scramble Donors Committee, serving in many different capacities until his appointment as committee chairman in 2004. He joined the Steer Auction Committee in 2001 and earned the rookie of the year award.
In 2004, Winne was elected a Rodeo director, and from 2006 to 2008, served as a vice president and officer in charge of the Calf Scramble Arena, Calf Scramble Donors, Calf Scramble Greeters, Parade, Rodeo Contestant Hospitality, Rodeo Operations, Special Children’s and Trail Ride committees. In 2014, Winne was elected as a member of the Rodeo’s Executive Committee.
“The Rodeo and the people I have met volunteering over the years hold a very special place in my heart,” Winne said. “I have spent more than 35 years in the Texas business community and have held positions on public, private and charitable boards. I look forward to utilizing those past experiences and hope to contribute to the continuing success of the Rodeo.”
With a long family history in rodeo and ranching, Winne won the 1981 Texas Rodeo Association champion bareback rider title.
Winne was a founder, chairman and CEO of Legend Natural Gas companies, and retired in 2013 after 35 years in the oil and gas industry.
He and his wife, Lynda, a member of the Calf Scramble Donors Committee, live in Fulshear, Texas. Winne has one daughter, McKenzy, who is a current Rodeo member and former member of the Jr. Rodeo Committee. She raises cattle with her father.