What we know
HCHSA Board Chairman J. Kent Friedman announced Oct. 14 that Canetti will temporarily fill the spot left by former longtime CEO Janis Burke while the board continues to look for a permanent replacement.
Canetti currently serves as president of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Committee. According to a news release from HCHSA, he will continue to serve in that capacity while acting as interim CEO for the sports authority.
Friedman, who was tasked by the HCHSA board with determining an acting CEO Oct. 11, said Canetti has a proven track record of success in Houston. Before becoming president of the FIFA World Cup Host Committee, Canetti spent 13 seasons with the Houston Dynamo, eight of which were spent as team president.
“We know that with his experience he will help guide the organization and ensure that all obligations and responsibilities are met during this period of transition," Friedman said.
Canetti assumes the role of interim CEO immediately. In the meantime, Friedman said HCHSA leadership will organize a special committee that will be tasked with identifying and hiring a permanent CEO.
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The HCHAS's board of directors voted unanimously Oct. 11 to release Burke after 18 years of service.
The vote came on the heels of Houston Mayor John Whitmire sharing that he had received several complaints from sports venue owners and stakeholders that HCHSA had become difficult to collaborate with and had "moved away from its core mission."
Burke shared a post on LinkedIn thanking the Houston community for their love and support over the course of her career. As of Oct. 11, Burke has declined a request for comment.
