HOUSTON — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) has undergone a significant leadership transition as the board of directors convened on June 3 to earmark key figures for the upcoming 2026 rodeo season, scheduled for March 2-22.
During this meeting, a new chairman-elect was chosen along with two new members of the executive committee, six new officers, 26 new directors, and 13 lifetime directors.
Pat Mann Phillips, renowned for her profound contributions, continues her commendable tenure as the chairman of the board for the third consecutive year.
Her leadership has marked an extraordinary 2025 season characterized by an all-time attendance record of 2.7 million attendees, a historic increase in educational commitment to $28 million, and the establishment of ten new auction records.
A dedicated volunteer since 2002 and the first female executive leader, Phillips expressed her gratitude to the rodeo’s base of approximately 36,000 volunteers through the introduction of the inaugural Volunteer Appreciation Day.
Her efforts have earned her admiration, culminating in recognitions from the RODEOHOUSTON® Hall of Fame and the RODEOHOUSTON Star Trail of Fame.
Wesley Sinor, who has been actively involved with the HLSR since 2003, was elected as the new chairman-elect.
Sinor’s journey began on the Gatekeepers Committee, and over the course of 22 years, he has held numerous positions, including a place on the Executive Committee since the Spring of 2017 and vice president during the years 2014 to 2016.
He has served across various committees such as Feed Store, Houston General Go Texan, Livestock, Rodeo Ops, Armed Forces Appreciation, Grand Entry, and Quarter Horse.
With a proud educational background from Texas A&M University, possessing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Rice University, Sinor is set to spend the upcoming 2025-2026 season shadowing Phillips as she concludes her term as chairman.
The new executive committee, which includes not only the chairman and past chairmen from the previous nine years but also five at-large members elected from the board of directors, features newly elected members Roger Camp, Jeff Hildebrand, Parker Johnson, J. Alan Kent, Kelly Larkin, M.D., and Robbie Smith.
Members who were re-elected are Warner Ervin, Juan Garcia, and Jeffrey S. Hayes.
Non-elected members include current and former presidents and chairmen such as Patt Mann Phillips, Jim Bloodworth, Brady F. Carruth, Don D. Jordan, Jack A. Lyons, and Jim Winne.
In the realm of officers, the board has elected 18 vice presidents to supervise the extensive activities of the rodeo’s volunteers, which total over 36,000 across 109 different committees.
Chris Boleman retains his role as president and CEO, with Katie Grahmann continuing as chief financial officer and corporate treasurer, and Harry Perrin remaining as general counsel and corporate secretary.
Newly elected officers also include Stacy Anderson, Martha Ceballos, Nancy Motley, Robert Pike, Michael Sachs, and Jim Sartwelle III.
Additionally, several officers have been re-elected: Johnny Causey, Stan Horton, Russell Jones, T. Mark Kelly, Sean Lehane, Kristie Manning, Aimee Coates Monteverde, Amy Pinkham Miller, David Smith, David Stone, Justin Tankersley, and Lance Welch.
The board welcomed 26 new directors who will contribute to the rodeo’s governance.
Names among these new directors include Tony Bradfield, Tim Brinkmeyer, Derek Causey, and many others.
Furthermore, 13 dedicated individuals were honored with lifetime director status, a recognition of their loyalty and service to the rodeo.
The roster includes names such as Mike Brem, Steve Ehrig, and Diane Gautreaux, among others.
As the rodeo gears up for the anticipated 2026 season, further information can be found by visiting rodeohouston.com, downloading the RODEOHOUSTON app, or following @RODEOHOUSTON across various social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
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