Chris Boleman

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 nearly half of the 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 more than $20 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 competitions, auctions and wine programs.

Previous to him joining the Rodeo, Dr. Boleman served as the State Leader For Texas 4-H, where he was responsible for leading the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Throughout his career, Dr. Boleman has provided more than 800 educational trainings and presentations, collaborated with experts in content areas to author more than 100 publications, and supported and collaborated with organizations to provide subject matter expertise through instruction, curriculum development, and/or consultation, with organizations including Texas Association of Counties Leadership Development Program for Judges & County Commissioners, Texas Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Program, Texas Agriculture Lifetime Leadership Program, Texas Association of Fairs & Events Executive Leadership Program, Texas FFA’s LEAD Program, and Texas A&M AgriLife’s Early Career Leadership Cohort.

Dr. Boleman has been very active in the agriculture community throughout his career, and has previously served or is currently serving on the board of directors of several non-profit organizations, including: Texas Association of Fairs and Events, Texas 4-H Foundation, Texas FFA Foundation, North American Livestock Show and Rodeo Managers Association, Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (ECOP), 4-H National Leadership Committee, National 4-H Council Board and National 4-H Council’s Hispanic Advisory Board.

In addition to his education at Texas A&M, Dr. Boleman has received the University Certificate of Completion for The Art and Science of Leadership Program at Harvard University and the Certificate of Completion for the Governor’s Executive Development Program at The University of Texas.

Dr. Boleman is married to Dr. Randi Boleman, who is also heavily involved at the Rodeo and currently serves as chair of the Communications & Special Services Committee. They make their home in Houston but still try and spend as much time at the family ranch in Brazos County. Dr. Boleman enjoys running, reading, writing and traveling.