Harris County-Houston Sports Authority and CEO Part ways amid lack of coordination and communication

HOUSTON – The Harris County-Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) is going through changes following the Board of Directors voting on a settlement and mutual release agreement between HCHSA and CEO Janis Burke. Amidst concerns over the authority’s communication and coordination efforts, the organization moved forward without its long-time executive.

Leadership at the sports authority faced public criticism, particularly from Houston Mayor John Whitmire and sports officials. The criticisms center around the organization’s ability to attract and manage major sporting events, a key issue as Houston prepares to host the 2026 World Cup.

“The sports authority’s sole role, as I sold it on the Senate floor, is to finance, build, and maintain sports venues that would attract visitors and large sports events to Houston,” said Whitmire.

Whitmire said HCHSA got away from its core mission. 

Despite Houston’s success in hosting several marquee events, the impending World Cup has highlighted a perceived lack of communication channels necessary for hosting such global spectacles. Whitmire said he has had professional sports leadership come to his office and pleading for help.

“The Sports Authority is not collaborating with us. The World Cup teams want to use our stadium as a practice facility. We can’t get the communication with the Sports Authority in the right direction,” Whitmire continued.

RELATED: Three Harris County Tax Office workers indicted for taking bribes

Commissioner Adrian Garcia has called for a fresh approach to leadership as the World Cup approaches. “Soon we will be on the world stage, and so we need a fresh perspective on hosting these global events. Putting our best foot forward has to be the priority of the day,” said Garcia.

Following the announcement, the Sports Authority thanked Burke for her energy and dedication, releasing the following statement:

“The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority and its Board of Directors would like to thank Janis Burke for her exceptional and groundbreaking 18-year run as CEO of the HCHSA. Over her time, she has worked diligently tirelessly, not just to improve our world class facilities, but to make Houston and Harris County destinations for wide range of marquee, national and international sporting events, creating over $2 billion of economic activity for this community. Her efforts have elevated the status of our region to heights it has never been in the sports industry. The HCHSA Board of Directors wishes Janis well in her future endeavors.”

FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, Samsung TV, and Vizio!

However, not everyone agrees with the change. Former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett was surprised by the decision.

“I think this came as a surprise to me and probably all but a handful of people. Janis had a national reputation, a positive national reputation, and is known, she’s inducted in the national hall of fame,” Emmet said.

A successor for Burke has yet to be announced as city officials and sports enthusiasts look to the future and the continued promotion of Houston as a premier location for significant athletic events.

FOX 26 reached out to Burke for comment but did not get a response in time for this report.