HOUSTON – Houston attorney Juan Garcia has been appointed the new Chairman of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA). The HCHSA provides oversight to world-class, professional sports venues and promotes the region for sports-related events to enhance economic development and quality of life for residents. 

Garcia, a founding partner of the Houston-based law firm Johnson Garcia LLP, assumed the role after he was nominated, and members of Houston City Council and the Harris County Commissioner’s Court voted to approve his nomination. 

As HCHSA Chairman, Garcia will lead a 12-member board and ensure that the taxpayers are represented while overseeing the investment in Houston’s major sports arenas. 

“I am excited for this opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority,” said Juan Garcia in a statement. “I would like to thank Mayor Whitmire and Harris County leadership for entrusting me with guiding this organization into what we all feel is a critical stretch where our region will be on the world stage for everyone to see as the FIFA World Cup comes to town in 2026.” 

In addition to his work in the legal arena helping families and individuals who have been harmed by the wrongdoing of others, Garcia has dedicated much of his time to volunteer work through various charitable organizations. 

Garcia is currently the first-ever Hispanic to serve on the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Executive Committee in more than 90 years. He is also a Board Member for the HLSR, Chairman of the Risk Management Committee for the HLSR, Past Chairman of the HLSR Go Tejano Committee, a member of the HLSR Legal Advisory Committee, Past President and current Board member of the Hispanic Bar Association of Houston, and a member of the Mexican American Bar Association of Houston. 

“Juan Garcia is a respected business and community leader with the experience and vision we need for this critical role,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “He will guide the Sports Authority with accountability and transparency as we prepare for the FIFA World Cup and other significant sporting events, while managing our professional sports teams’ venues.” 

A native of Brownsville, Texas, Garcia has been repeatedly recognized for his professional achievements by being named a Texas Super Lawyer®️, a “Top Lawyer” by H Texas Magazine, and a Minority Powerbroker by Law360. 

He was nominated for the position of Chairman of the HCHSA Board of Directors by Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and was supported by both Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey and Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. 

“With this historic appointment, the Sports Authority will have experienced leadership to take us to a new era of world-class events and economic development,” said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. “We have seen extraordinary work by the Sports Authority, and we are so thankful for Chairman J. Kent Friedman’s leadership. I have full confidence that with Juan as chair, the best days of the Sports Authority are ahead.” 

“I’m looking forward to Mr. Garcia’s leadership,” said Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey. “We have some exciting times ahead for NRG Park, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and our world-class professional sports teams.” 

“Congratulations to Juan Garcia on his historic appointment as Chairman of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority,” said Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. “From his roots in Brownsville as the son of Mexican immigrants to his rise as a justice advocate, community leader, and business owner, Juan embodies resilience and a commitment to service. As the first Hispanic Chair of the Sports Authority, he is breaking barriers and opening opportunities for future leaders to reach new heights. We look forward to him leading with the heart, hustle, and high standards that define him.” 

Garcia replaces J. Kent Friedman who spent 17 years as Chairman of the HCHSA Board of Directors. He will be officially installed in the role at the next board meeting in December.