LVCVA Names Janis Burke Chief Sports Officer

Janis Burke is the new chief sports officer of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, bringing an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience to one of the hottest markets in the country.

Burke joins LVCVA from the Sports Events & Tourism Association, where she was the chief of international sports and strategy. In that role she was the first person to lead a global initiative for that organization. She will continue assisting Sports ETA in a volunteer role.

Before joining Sports ETA, Burke was CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority, CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg and worked with Visit San Antonio, Visit Detroit and Hilton. She is a 2024 honoree in the Sports ETA Hall of Fame.

“Janis brings an extraordinary track record of leadership and achievement in sports tourism,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of LVCVA. Her expertise and vision will strengthen our ability to attract and deliver world-class events, reinforcing Las Vegas’ standing as the premier destination for the biggest moments in sports and entertainment.”

Burke spent nearly two decades in Houston, leaving in 2024, and was the first woman to hold the role of CEO since the organization was created in 1997. During her tenure the city was awarded numerous events, including the 2023 men’s Final Four and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will include seven matches in Space City.

Burke joins a team that includes Will Hunter, vice president of events, who leads the development and execution of major sports and special events; and Jennifer Hawkins, vice president of sports business development, who leads the acquisition of emerging sports events.

In recent years Las Vegas has exploded as a sports tourism destination. The Vegas Golden Knights of the NHL debuted with the 2017–2018 season, the Raiders relocated from Oakland for the 2020 season and MLB’s Athletics are scheduled to start play in Vegas in 2028 after a brief detour in Sacramento. The opening of Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders, has enabled Vegas to host major events such as the Super Bowl (in February 2024), the Pac-12 football championships (2020 and 2021) and, in 2027, the College Football Playoff national championship game.