The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) announced today that Janis Burke has been named Chief Sports Officer. In this new role, Burke will lead the strategic direction and execution of all sports and special events initiatives, further strengthening Las Vegas’ reputation as a global destination for major sporting events.
Burke brings more than 30 years of sports tourism leadership to the LVCVA, having overseen some of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including Copa America, the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff, and the U.S. Women’s Open.
Most recently, Burke served as Chief of International Sports and Strategy for the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) in Cincinnati, Ohio, becoming the first person appointed to lead a global initiative for the nation’s largest sports tourism association. She will continue supporting Sports ETA’s international efforts in a volunteer capacity as Chair of International Sports & Strategy.
Prior to Sports ETA, Burke served as CEO of the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority. She also served as president and CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg and held leadership roles with Visit San Antonio, Visit Detroit, and the Hilton Corporation.
“Janis brings an extraordinary track record of leadership and achievement in sports tourism,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the 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.”
As Chief Sports Officer, she will oversee efforts to attract and secure high-profile professional, collegiate, youth, and amateur sporting events that drive significant economic impact across Southern Nevada.
Over the course of Burke’s career, she has received numerous honors and awards, including being recognized among the Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs (2019), induction into the Sports Events and Tourism Association’s Hall of Fame (2024), and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from Disrupt Gives, a Houston non-profit focused on housing insecurity (2025).
Burke completes the LVCVA’s best-in-class sports and events leadership team that includes Will Hunter, vice president of events, and Jennifer Hawkins, vice president of sports business development.
- Hunter leads the strategy, development, and execution of major sports and special events, overseeing the Event Design team and event execution efforts. He has delivered events for global brands, including the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Pac-12, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
- Hawkins spearheads the acquisition of high-profile and emerging sporting events that generate significant economic impact for Southern Nevada. She previously oversaw the national growth strategy for Fastbreak AI’s event activation and data platform, Fastbreak Pulse. Prior to that, she spent a decade as executive director of SportsPITTSBURGH, the sports tourism division of VisitPITTSBURGH.