The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announces Chris Atmar will join the organization’s senior management team as general counsel, where he will oversee legal affairs, risk management and corporate governance for the Rodeo. Atmar is expected to begin his role Feb. 23, ahead of the 2026 Rodeo season.
“We are excited to welcome Chris to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo team as we look ahead and position the organization for the future,” said Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo President and CEO Chris Boleman. “Chris is a native Houstonian with immense legal experience and brings a unique perspective that comes with serving in the Army as a Green Beret. He will play a critical role in supporting the integrity and governance of one of the world’s largest annual events.”
In his role, Atmar will provide legal guidance across all facets of Rodeo’s operations, including contracts, regulatory compliance, risk management and governance, ensuring activities align with applicable local, state and federal laws.
“It is an honor to join the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and support an institution with such a longstanding commitment to Texas youth, agriculture and Western heritage,” Atmar said. “I look forward to working with the leadership team to help advance the mission and support the work that takes place yearround.”
A native Houstonian, Atmar most recently served as an associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP in Houston, where he advised clients on mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions and corporate governance matters. His prior experience includes roles at Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. Earlier in his career, Atmar served in the U.S. Army as a Green Beret with the Fifth Special Forces Group (Airborne), where he led teams during overseas deployments.
Atmar earned his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and holds bachelor’s degrees in history and political science from Texas A&M University.