The role of host cities in the FIFA World Cup with Janis Burke, Harris County - Houston Sports Authority

In 2006, Janis Burke, CEO of the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority became the third chief executive and the first woman to hold the position since the organization's inception. In addition to overseeing the $1.2 billion dollars of bond debt service for Houston’s professional sports stadiums, under her leadership, Houston has been awarded major sporting events including: 2023 NCAA Men's Final Four; 2023 College Football Playoff Championship; 2026 FIFA World Cup; U.S. Olympic Trials; collegiate tournaments; numerous National and World Championships; AAU Junior Olympics, and the World Transplant Games. The Sports Authority was selected by its peers as one of the country's best on several occasions and was designated “Best Employer in Sports” by Front Office Sports Publication. In addition, Burke has been recognized individually by numerous organizations for her impactful work done in the local community. Amongst those, Conference USA and Rice University acknowledged her for outstanding contributions as a woman in the Houston sports industry, was named one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women” by Houston Woman Magazine, received the Sports Industry Impact Award from Sam Houston State University, and was identified by the Houston Business Journal as one of Houston’s Most Admired CEO’s. Burke also served as Board Chair for Sports ETA, the leading sports tourism trade association in the United States.

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