STAFF

Executive Office

President & CEO
Chief Executive Assistant
Executive Office Coordinator
Chris Boleman, Ph.D. »
Kim Wilson
Kaitlin Noble

Entertainment & Concert Production

Director, Entertainment & Concert Production
Specialist, Entertainment and Concert Production
Brittany Cooke
Taylor Hatfield

FINANCE DIVISION

Chief Financial Officer
Accounting Director, Controller
Senior Manager, Financial Reporting
Accounts Receivable Senior Associate
Accounts Receivable Senior Associate
Accounts Receivable Manager
Accounting Manager
Accounting Manager
Senior Accountant
Senior Accountant
Supervisor, Accounts Payable
Bookkeeper
Associate, Accounts Payable
Assistant, Finance
Katie Grahmann »
Carolyn Casanova
Travis Burns
Jackie Tassel
Stannicia Reddick
Jerrica Torrence
Brenda Carreno
Janie Guthrie
Alan Vigil
Aileen Loera
Kayla Montoya
Deslyn Lazo
Natalie Garrett
Samantha Stamps

LEGAL DIVISION

LEGAL

General Counsel
Sr. Legal Administration Manager
Harry Perrin
Sidney Fuchs

Purchasing & Mailroom

Purchasing Director
Mailroom Manager
Associate, Mail Center
John Dickey
Jerrad Darty
Kris Milburn

Marketing, Public Relations & Presentations Division

Chief Marketing Officer
Lisa Gagnon »

Broadcast & Audio Visual

Senior Director, Broadcast and Audio Visuals
Senior Studio Operations Manager
Senior Producer
Production Manager
Video Editor
Studio Engineer
Gavin Gehrt
Gary Hazen
Jackie Maldonado
Ida Nuncio
Katie Briza
David Grundy

Communications

Director, Strategic Communications
PR and Media Relation Manager
Danielle Grossman
Marisa Saenz

Customer Experience

Director, Customer Experience
Manager, Presentations
Manager, Customer Experience
Holly Schweitzer
Joanna Pedigo
Avery Cooper

Digital Media

Director, Digital Media
Manager, Digital Media
Senior Specialist, Social Media
Specialist, Digital Media
Aynav Leibowitz
Amanda Caffey
Alexa Davidson
Emily Zettlemoyer

Marketing

Director, Marketing
Senior Manager, Marketing Community Relations
Manager, Marketing & Community Relations
Senior Graphic Designer
Senior Graphic Designer
Marketing Specialist, Graphic Design
Coordinator, Marketing Committee Support
Specialist, Marketing and Data Insights
Muffy King
Shelby Pipken
Vicki Frucci Hogue
Chelsea Riddle
Sandra Lara
Emma Reijonen
Bri Norton
Maria De La Riva

MERCHANDISE

Director, Merchandise
Senior Merchandise Manager
Jessica Mooney
Amy Madsen

Sports & event presentation

Director, Sports & Event Presentations
Coordinator, Sports & Event Presentations
Katelyn Scates
Conner Gonzales

mission DIVISION

Chief Mission Officer
Julie Bass »

auctions & attractions

Director, Auctions & Attractions
Manager, Auctions & Donors
Senior Manager, Attractions/Competitions
Senior Coordinator, Auctions
Donor Relations & Fulfillment Manager
Coordinator, Attractions & Competitions
Coordinator, Auctions and Benefit Fulfillment
Laura Lambert
Kim Cornelius
Angela Gutierrez
Michael Blandon
Taylor Garcia
Ashly Thornton
Hatti Shipman

educational programs

Senior Manager, Scholarship Programs
Grant Manager
Program Manager
Jamie Voskamp
Nellen Roland
Taylor Olsovsky

exhibits & events

Senior Manager, Exhibits & Events
Coordinator, Exhibits & Events
Amanda Schlatre
Amanda Cornell

horse show

Director, Horse Show
Coordinator, Horse Show
Stacy Scott
Ashley Dibbs

livestock competitions

Senior Director, Mission Division
Senior Coordinator, Livestock Show
Coordinator, Livestock Show
Coordinator, Livestock Show
Senior Coordinator, Calf Scramble
Karl Hengst
Kyle Walker
Ashley Abston
Cheyenne Harrison
Amanda McGuire

wine show

Director, Wine Show
Coordinator, Wine Show
Coordinator, Wine Show
Jennifer Lindsay
Rachael Fernandez
Abigail Comstock

Revenue division

Chief Revenue Officer
Amber Burda »

Ticketing

Director, Ticketing
Manager, Ticketing
Manager, Rodeo Suites and Premium Spaces
Specialist, Season Suites
Specialist, Ticketing Business Operations
Paula Urban
Dennis Moynihan
Kylar Walker
Angel Valdez
Ian Mackillop

Sponsorship, Business & Corporate Development

Business and Corporate Development Manager
Sponsorship Fulfillment Manager
Business and Corporate Development Manager
Business and Corporate Development Manager
Associate, Sponsorship Fulfillment
Jenny Heinz
Kris Rigby
Madison Brooks
Caleb Ambrose
Hannah Czajkowski

Show Operations Division

Chief Show Operations Officer
Director, Show Operations Security & Safety
Senior Manager, Operations
Senior Coordinator, Operations
Senior Manager, Operations and BBQ
Coordinator, Operations and BBQ
Coordinator, Operations and BBQ
Senior Manager, Corral Club Operations
Senior Coordinator, Corral Club Operations
Kyle Olsen »
John Presley
Lindsay Klein
Andrea Perkins
Dalinda Cauble
Kennedy Gross
Brooke Henderson
Brandie Triola
Alexa Moore

Buildings & Grounds

Director, Buildings & Grounds
Manager, Event Services
Manager, Facility Services
Manager, Buildings & Grounds
Coordinator, Facility & Event Services
Senior Coordinator, Buildings and Grounds
Coordinator, Buildings & Grounds
Manager, Warehouse Operations
Manager, Warehouse Operations
Senior Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Senior Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Senior Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Senior Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Associate, Buildings & Grounds
Bobby Richardson
Alex Briano
Brett Haney
Aaron Ortega
Stephanie Hendrickson
Amanda Todd
Angela Hodges
Jim Gadd
Jason Wilson
Peter Shaw
Jimmy Stuckey
Chaz Johnson
Glenn Cessna
Marcus Williams
Ricky Franke
Pete Crews
Nelson Moz
Mitchell Newman
Jesus Ramirez

Event Planning

Director, Event Operations
Manager, Hospitality Services
Senior Manager, Event Operations
Coordinator, Event Operations
Senior Associate, Hospitality Services
Abbie Goldberg
Matthew DeSantis
Annie Mayer
Mackenzie Grocki
Carolyn James

Strategic Planning Division

Chief Strategic Planning Officer
Senior Strategic Planning Analyst
Strategic Planning and Execution Analyst
Peter McStravick »
Paul Lopez
Kirby Nguyen

Technology division

Chief Technology Officer
Steve Gumerman »

IT INFRASTRUCTURE

Sr. IT Infrastructure Administrator
Manager, IT Help Desk
Help Desk Technician
IT Administrator
Network Administrator
Jr. IT Infrastructure Systems Administrator
Cybersecurity Specialist
Steve Clausen
Randy Moore
Jose Chavez
Karina Nguyen
Edwardo Garcia
Michael Rojas
Scott Tebebi

Software Development

Senior Director, Software Developer
Data Architect
Senior Software Developer
Senior Software Developer
Database Developer
Senior Software Developer
Senior Customer Success Analyst
DevOps Engineer
Quality Assurance Analyst
UI/UX Developer
Reji Rajan
Shahzad Naseer
Muhammad Saqib
Joseph Covington
Shoaib Ata
Majeed Arshad
Julie Hacker
Kevin Sherrill
Heather Nguyen
Ardensa Cartajona

Volunteer & Human Resources division

Chief Volunteer & HR Officer
Melinda "Mel" Underhill »

human resources

Director, Human Resources
Senior Human Resources Generalist
Senior Associate, Human Resources
Dana Seymour
Jennifer Alvarado
Zahra Galvan

Internal Communications

Director, Internal Communications
Specialist, Internal Communications
Pegi Newhouse
Tori Espurvoa

membership

Director, Membership
Coordinator, Membership
Coordinator, Membership
Senior Associate, Front Desk & Membership
Katie Luckett
Sandra Rodriguez
Jessi Morrison
Unique Andrews
Secret Link
President and CEO Chris Boleman

Chris Boleman, PH.D.

President & CEO

Chris Boleman, Ph.D., has served as President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ since May 2020, leading the organization through a period of strategic growth, innovation, and community impact. Under his leadership, the Rodeo has expanded its year-round presence, deepened its investment in education and youth development, and strengthened its commitment to agriculture and Western heritage.

Since becoming CEO, Dr. Boleman has guided the Rodeo through post-pandemic recovery and positioned it for a dynamic future—enhancing its mission and adapting to the evolving needs of the Houston region. Known for his collaborative leadership, he has worked closely with volunteers, stakeholders, and staff to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the Rodeo’s role in the community.

Dr. Boleman was recognized as Most Admired CEO by the Houston Business Journal in 2022 and in 2024 and named CEO Communicator of the Year by PRSA Houston in 2022, acknowledging his transparent leadership style and strategic vision for the organization’s future.

Dr. Boleman joined the Rodeo in 2017 as Executive Director of Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits and was later promoted to Chief Mission Officer in 2019. In that role, he oversaw livestock and horse shows, educational exhibits, auctions, grants, scholarships, and donor engagement, while helping lead a major internal reorganization to better align the Rodeo’s structure with its long-term goals. He currently directs over $28 million annually to support scholarships and educational initiatives that benefit Texas youth, which brings the total commitment to education over $630 million since 1932.

A lifelong advocate for agriculture, education, and leadership development, Dr. Boleman previously served as the Texas 4-H State Leader with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Over his career, he has delivered more than 800 presentations, authored over 100 publications, and partnered with organizations such as the Texas FFA Foundation, National 4-H Council, and North American Livestock Show and Rodeo Managers Association to advance youth and agricultural programming.

He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Art and Science Leadership Program and the Governor’s Executive Development Program at The University of Texas. Dr. Boleman holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, where he also served as an Associate Professor.

A native Texan, he lives in Houston with his wife, Dr. Randi Boleman, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Director and active volunteer. Together, they enjoy spending time at their family ranch in Brazos County. Outside of work, he is an avid runner, reader, and traveler.

Chief Financial Officer Katie Grahmann

KATIE GRAHMANN

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Katie Grahmann serves as chief financial officer and is responsible for overseeing all accounting and finance operations of the organization.

In her previous role as senior director of accounting and controller, Grahmann oversaw the Rodeo’s accounting and finance functions, which includes treasury, investments, donations and sponsorships, payables, receivables and fixed assets.

Prior to joining the Rodeo in 2014, Grahmann served as controller at the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, as well as audit manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).

For over a decade, she has volunteered her professional financial skills, serving many organizations in the Houston community, including the Junior League of Houston, where she currently serves as nominating committee secretary and previously served as financial vice president. She is also a founding board member of Impact100 Houston, a nonprofit organization that includes a diverse local group of women of all ages, stages in life, income levels and backgrounds. Recently, she was honored with the Houston Business Journal’s 2021 “Women Who Mean Business Award,” which recognizes women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

Grahmann received a bachelor’s degree of business administration in accounting, a master’s degree in finance from Texas A&M University and is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.

She and her husband, Scott, live in Houston. In her spare time, she enjoys bike rides with her dad and cooking.

Chief Financial Officer Katie Grahmann

KATIE GRAHMANN

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Katie Grahmann serves as chief financial officer and is responsible for overseeing all accounting and finance operations of the organization.

In her previous role as senior director of accounting and controller, Grahmann oversaw the Rodeo’s accounting and finance functions, which includes treasury, investments, donations and sponsorships, payables, receivables and fixed assets.

Prior to joining the Rodeo in 2014, Grahmann served as controller at the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, as well as audit manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).

For over a decade, she has volunteered her professional financial skills, serving many organizations in the Houston community, including the Junior League of Houston, where she currently serves as nominating committee secretary and previously served as financial vice president. She is also a founding board member of Impact100 Houston, a nonprofit organization that includes a diverse local group of women of all ages, stages in life, income levels and backgrounds. Recently, she was honored with the Houston Business Journal’s 2021 “Women Who Mean Business Award,” which recognizes women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

Grahmann received a bachelor’s degree of business administration in accounting, a master’s degree in finance from Texas A&M University and is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.

She and her husband, Scott, live in Houston. In her spare time, she enjoys bike rides with her dad and cooking.

LISA GAGNON

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Lisa Gagnon serves as chief marketing officer, leading the Marketing, Public Relations & Presentations Division, which includes Brand, Broadcast & Audio Visual, Communications, Digital Media, Sports, Customer Experience and Merchandise.

Since joining the Rodeo in 2017, Gagnon has led her team on several initiatives, including market segmentation, crisis communications, advertising campaigns, consumer research and the development of a new customer experience department. She developed the Rodeo’s first-ever brand positioning, redeveloped the organization’s advertising campaign, and oversaw the Rodeo’s 2024 and 2019 Economic Impact Studies. Throughout her time, Gagnon has elevated the organization’s brand into one of the strongest in the community.

Prior to joining the Rodeo, Gagnon served as vice president of Marketing for the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee, leading all marketing, brand management and fan engagement efforts. She is a dynamic leader in the Houston community, serving as a board member and committee chairperson for WISE Houston, and actively mentoring young women in the sports and events industry. In 2020, Gagnon was named a Houston Business Journal ‘Women Who Mean Business’ honoree.

Gagnon received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from The University of Texas at Austin and a master’s degree in business administration from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she received the prestigious Frank Hawkins Kenan Award for Excellence.

Chief Mission Officer Julie Bass

JULIE BASS

CHIEF MISSION OFFICER

Julie Beken Bass graduated from Texas A&M University in 2003 with a degree in Agricultural Development. She was a member of the equestrian team during her enrollment at A&M, so with her passion for agriculture and the equine industry, Julie gladly accepted a position with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2006 in the Horse Show Department.

Three years later, she moved to a manager’s role in the Exhibits and Attractions Department. After three years in this capacity, Julie accepted a position as the Fair Manager of the Montgomery County Fair in Conroe, Texas.

In the fall of 2014, Bass returned to her roots in the fair and festival industry at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where she was named the Executive Director of General Exhibits and Attractions. Six years later, this role ultimately led to her being named the Chief Mission Officer in 2020.

This position includes her overseeing educational and commercial exhibits, agricultural competitions, auctions, and scholarship components of the Rodeo’s 20-day event. This division supports more than 45 committees and is staffed by 24 full time employees.

Amid the pandemic, she was honored with the Houston Business Journal’s 2020 “Women Who Mean Business Award,” which recognizes women in leadership roles who have demonstrated excellence in their careers and community.

Julie and her husband, Alan, live in Magnolia, Texas, with their two young sons, Tate and Brady. She and her husband also manage a small ranching operation on her family's homestead in Weimar, Texas.

AMBER BURDA

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

 

Amber Burda is the Chief Revenue Officer for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. In this critical leadership role, Burda is responsible for driving the organization’s revenue growth by overseeing ticketing, corporate and business partnerships, and official sponsors. By leading and managing the sponsorship and ticketing departments, she collaborates closely with the marketing, mission, and strategic planning divisions to foster alignment and develop comprehensive plans that ensure the organization’s short-term and long-term success.

In January 2017, Burda was named the executive director of sponsorships, business, and corporate development. During this time, Burda led a team who create, design, develop, negotiate, and execute all official Rodeo sponsorships. Burda and team have the privilege of working with local, national, and international organizations to forge lasting partnerships and surpass top objectives. Her exceptional leadership and expertise resulted in a 48% increase from 2017 to 2023.

Prior to joining the Rodeo, Burda served as director of multi-channel sales planning with Houston-based retailer, Mattress Firm, Inc. There, she spent over six years managing and cultivating relationships with more than 300 events nationwide. Under her guidance, Mattress Firm became one of the top supporting sponsors across the event industry.

She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration. Burda and her husband, Greg, live in Santa Fe, Texas, with their 9-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter.

Kyle Olsen

Kyle Olsen

CHIEF SHOW OPERATIONS OFFICER

Kyle Olsen has been named chief show operations officer (CSOO), where he will help guide the future growth of one of the largest annual events in the world. Since joining the Rodeo in 2018 as director of operations, Olsen has overseen many of the organization’s most critical functions, including showtime operations, carnival logistics, event security, the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest, presented by Cotton Holdings, and several key volunteer committees. With more than 20 years of experience in public facility and event management, he has played a pivotal role in delivering a seamless experience for more than 2.7 million Rodeo guests each year.
 
Olsen’s career began in Houston at NRG Park in 2003, where he supported major events including the Houston Texans, the Grand Prix of Houston, and the Offshore Technology Conference. He later spent over a decade in Glendale, Arizona, as Director of Events and Production at a multipurpose arena, managing large-scale operations for the NHL, NFL, NCAA, and national concert tours. A Texas Tech University graduate, Olsen grew up in Katy and now lives in Missouri City with his wife and two children. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with family and friends.

PETER McSTRAVICK

CHIEF STRATEGIC PLANNING OFFICER

Peter McStravick serves as the chief strategic planning officer, responsible for overseeing strategic planning of the organization with emphasis on long-term land use.

Since joining the Rodeo in 2019, McStravick has overseen the development of an annual strategic plan, led two conceptual design processes that would enhance exhibitors’ and guests’ experiences, conducted processes for potential development of owned real estate and developed an expertise in the Rodeo’s long-term lease at NRG Park.

Prior to joining the Rodeo, McStravick served as Chief Development Officer for Houston First Corporation overseeing real estate projects that were developed for Super Bowls in 2004 and 2017.

Over the years, McStravick has volunteered his time for various organizations and has previously served on the boards of St. Agnes Academy, Houston Arts Alliance, Houston Arts Foundation and the Houston Botanic Garden and currently serves on the board of Houston Hospitality Alliance.

Away from work, McStravick stays busy with farm activities and spending time with family.

STEVE GUMERMAN

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Steve Gumerman joined the Rodeo in 2001 and most recently served as director of IT infrastructure where he managed network configurations, server maintenance, hardware procurement, and at times, the software domain. He has demonstrated a keen ability to manage the IT department's financial health, overseeing both expense and capital budgets to optimize resource allocation, creating opportunities for ongoing advancements in technology. Previously, Gumerman held programming and software development positions at Oracle, Price Waterhouse and Lockheed Missiles and Space Co.

As Chief Technology Officer at the Rodeo, Gumerman will lead the Technology Division, overseeing the Information Systems and Software Development departments. He will be responsible for identifying and implementing technology improvements for the Rodeo, its staff and volunteers.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Mathematics from Beloit College. As a young adult, Gumerman worked as an archaeologist each summer and visited the captivating landscapes of Black Mesa in Arizona, where he focused on excavating the ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites.

MELINDA “MEL” UNDERHILL

CHIEF VOLUNTEER & HR OFFICER

As Chief Volunteer and HR Officer, Melinda ‘Mel’ Underhill is responsible for maintaining a positive and collaborative environment at the Rodeo. She manages the hiring, training, professional development and performance evaluation processes for the Rodeo’s 148-plus staff and 36,000 volunteers. Underhill also oversees all internal communications across Rodeo staff and volunteers.

Prior to joining the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, she served as an Executive Vice President at Direct Energy and Centrica. As an EVP, Underhill was the Global Head of Organization Effectiveness and led Strategic HR Business Partnering for the Commercial Business Division. She was responsible for leading a global team of HR partners, providing strategic consultation and developing talent capabilities and leading global internal communications and culture transformation.

Underhill holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and has received multiple HR certifications. She is the chairman-elect for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto. Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council.