CHRIS BOLEMAN, PH.D.
President & CEO

Chris Boleman, Ph.D., was named president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ on May 12, 2020. Dr. Boleman joined the Rodeo in 2017 as the executive director of the Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits Division. In 2019, he was promoted to chief mission officer. A native Texan, Dr. Boleman earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, where he also has served as Associate Professor.

As Chief Mission Officer, Dr. Boleman led the execution of all mission-related activities, including the livestock and horse shows, educational and commercial exhibits, donors, auctions, sponsorships, grants, scholarships, and other educational programs. A significant part of this position is working in tandem with 46 of the 108 volunteer committees to provide coordinated and collaborative leadership with the Rodeo’s Executive Committee, vice presidents, committee Chairs and staff. In this position, he provided oversight for an approximately $50 million budget and $27 million given annually through scholarships, educational program grants, and graduate assistantships.

In 2019, under the direction of the Rodeo Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee, Dr. Boleman was tasked to provide leadership, oversight and management of the Rodeo’s reorganization plan in cooperation with the consultant team. He also led the implementation phase, which took place in the Fall of 2019. Prior to his promotion to chief mission officer, Dr. Boleman served as executive director of the Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits Division, leading the livestock and horse show competition, auctions and wine programs.

The Rotary Club of Houston is a group of business leaders working together collaboratively to impact positive change in our community and around the world, operating consistently with Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. Some of our service projects include:

• Rotary Distinguished Citizen Award is presented annually to someone in Houston who exhibits high ideals, leadership and philanthropy. The funds raised support the club’s on-going service activities.
• Camp Enterprise is an annual activity that introduces business and business ethics to 75 high school juniors.  The funds for this event are raised with an annual golf tournament.
• Burnett Bayland Outreach has delivered personal support and mentoring to at-risk children under the jurisdiction of the county. Started in 1919, it is the longest continuous service project of any Rotary worldwide.
• Rotary House across from MD Anderson created as a culmination of a thirty year dream of our club. the successful fun raising reality of a $26 million fund raising reality is the largest project by a single Rotary club in history.

The club also works actively in many other areas including mentoring elementary school youth, giving assistance to ex-offenders, and international projects, including Polio Plus.