143 | The Leadership Decisions Behind a $600M Economic Impact Event with Chris Boleman

In Today’s Episode:

We’re just weeks away from the gates opening to one of the most iconic events in the country, and this week’s episode features the man leading it all, Chris Boleman. As President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Chris shares what it’s like to lead an organization of this scale and impact. 

In the episode, Chris chats:

• What it’s like to lead an organization of this magnitude
• How it’s grown into a year-round economic powerhouse
• Why their mission of supporting agriculture, education, and Western heritage remains stronger than ever
• What goes into planning a month-long live event that draws 2.7 million visitors
• The power of 36,000 volunteers
• The $600 million that’s been invested back into youth, scholarships, and workforce development
• How the Houston Rodeo is pushing innovation while honoring tradition
• What leadership looks like when it’s rooted in collaboration and community

Resources & Links:

• Episode 136. Girl Talk: Lessons from Leading 36,000 Volunteers with Melinda Underhill
• Lonesome Dove: A Novel by Larry McMurtry
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• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description 
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
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• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West’s ⁠Newsletters
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Connect with Chris:

• Follow on Instagram @rodeohouston 
• Visit the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Connect with Jessie:

• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West website

More About Chris

Chris Boleman, Ph.D., has served as President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ since May 2020, leading the organization through a period of strategic growth, innovation, and community impact. Under his leadership, the Rodeo has expanded its year-round presence, deepened its investment in education and youth development, and strengthened its commitment to agriculture and Western heritage.

Since becoming CEO, Dr. Boleman has guided the Rodeo through post-pandemic recovery and positioned it for a dynamic future—enhancing its mission and adapting to the evolving needs of the Houston region. Known for his collaborative leadership, he has worked closely with volunteers, stakeholders, and staff to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and elevate the Rodeo’s role in the community.

Dr. Boleman was recognized as Most Admired CEO by the Houston Business Journal in 2022 and in 2024 and named CEO Communicator of the Year by PRSA Houston in 2022, acknowledging his transparent leadership style and strategic vision for the organization’s future.

Dr. Boleman joined the Rodeo in 2017 as Executive Director of Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits and was later promoted to Chief Mission Officer in 2019. In that role, he oversaw livestock and horse shows, educational exhibits, auctions, grants, scholarships, and donor engagement, while helping lead a major internal reorganization to better align the Rodeo’s structure with its long-term goals. He currently manages a $150 million budget and directs over $28 million annually to support scholarships and educational initiatives that benefit Texas youth.

A lifelong advocate for agriculture, education, and leadership development, Dr. Boleman previously served as the Texas 4-H State Leader with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Over his career, he has delivered more than 800 presentations, authored over 100 publications, and partnered with organizations such as the Texas FFA Foundation, National 4-H Council, and North American Livestock Show and Rodeo Managers Association to advance youth and agricultural programming.

He is a graduate of Harvard University’s Art and Science Leadership Program and the Governor’s Executive Development Program at The University of Texas. Dr. Boleman holds a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, where he also served as an Associate Professor.

A native Texan, he lives in Houston with his wife, Dr. Randi Boleman, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Director and active volunteer. Together, they enjoy spending time at their family ranch in Brazos County. Outside of work, he is an avid runner, reader, and traveler.

More About Leaders Of The West

Leaders Of The West is a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. 

Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave. 

These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. 

In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. 

Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you.

You’ll find new episodes every week. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss a show!