The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo board of directors met Tuesday, June 9, to elect new leadership for the 2021 Rodeo, set for March 2 – 21.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Brady F. Carruth was elected as chairman of the board. He serves as president of Gulf Coast Capital Corp. Carruth joined the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1970, and in 1982, he joined the Lamb Auction Committee, becoming the committee chair in 1996. He was elected to the board of directors in 1991. In 1998, he was appointed a Show vice president, serving as officer in charge of the Ladies’ Go Texan, Ladies’ Season Box, School Art, Special Children’s and Western Art committees. Carruth has been a member of the Rodeo’s Executive Committee since 2013.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Executive Committee includes the chairman of the board, the past chairmen of the board for each of the immediately preceding nine years, and at least five members who are elected at large from the board of directors.
Newly elected:
- Kelly J. Larkin, M.D. – CEO & president, The Larkin Group
- Robbie Smith – vice president, Norman Smith Equipment
Re-elected:
- Warner Ervin
- Ray Hinsley
- J.P. “Hap” Hunnicutt
- Parker Johnson
- Pat Mann Phillips
- Wesley Sinor
- Joe Van Matre
Non-elected members (past presidents and chairmen of the board)
- Jim Bloodworth
- Don D. Jordan
- Jack A. Lyons
- R.H. “Steve” Stevens
- P. Michael Wells
- Jim Winne
Lifetime members:
- Don A. Buckalew
- Tilman J. Fertitta
- Wayne Hollis
- Ed McMahon
- Chris Richardson
- Charles R. “Butch” Robinson
- John O. Smith
- Paul G. Somerville
- Keith A. Steffek
- James M. “Jim” Windham
OFFICERS
The board elected Dr. Chris Boleman, president and CEO; Jennifer Hazelton, chief financial officer and corporate treasurer; and Sherry Hibbert, general counsel and corporate secretary, for 2021. Eighteen vice presidents, elected for one-year terms, supervise the activities of the Rodeo’s more than 35,000 volunteers serving on 108 different committees. Each vice president may serve up to three terms.
Six newly elected vice presidents:
- Larry Biediger
- Bryan J. Blonder, D.O.
- Alan Folger
- Juan C. Garcia
- Michelle Lilie
- D. Scott Sullivan
Elected to second terms:
- Robert Clay
- John Giannukos
- John Glithero
- Alicia Jimerson
- Chris Underbrink
- Duncan Underwood
Elected to third terms:
- Thomas J. Baker III
- Ed DeCora
- E.R. “Butch” Guerrero
- Bill Hanna
- Emmett O. Story Jr.
- Tonya Yurgensen-Jacks
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
At the annual membership meeting on June 9, the general membership elected 18 new directors to the Rodeo’s board:
- Jake W. Allee
- Scott F. Brast
- John Cangelosi, M.D.
- Naph Carlson
- Martha Ceballos
- Charlie M. Christ
- Landon Ehlinger
- Rigo Flores Jr.
- Richard T. Garcia
- Ray M. Gilliam
- John S. Hantak
- Lindsay S. Holmes
- Stan Horton
- Nancy Motley
- Gerald K. Peyton
- Rodney Porter
- Linda Shartzer
- Tracy Ray Troup
LIFETIME DIRECTORS
In addition, 10 directors were honored with the status of lifetime director for their dedicated service to the Rodeo:
- Linda Sue Barnes
- Joe Chastang
- Melba Eveler
- Al Herring
- Janice Hutchison
- Dot Mitchell
- Bubba Murphy
- Eric Potts
- George Stallings
- D. Wayne Turner
NON-ELECTED STAFF PROMOTION
Julie Bass was promoted to the position of chief mission officer, overseeing the Attractions and Competitions, Exhibits and Events, Horse Show, Livestock Competitions, Auction and Donor Management, Educational Programs, and Sponsorship, Business and Corporate Development groups.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community. Since its beginning in 1932, the Rodeo has committed more than $500 million to the youth of Texas and education. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all the latest news. The 2021 Rodeo is scheduled for March 2 – 21.