Amber Burda, former member of the multi-channel sales team at Mattress Firm, Inc. — a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Heritage Partner — was named executive director of sponsorships, business and corporate development at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
“We are excited to welcome Amber to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo family,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “Her industry experience and understanding of the Show’s sponsorship program made her an undeniable choice for this position.”
Burda joins the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after a six-year career with the Houston-based specialty bedding retailer, Mattress Firm. In her previous position, director of multi-channel sales planning, Burda oversaw the enhancement of relationships with managers and sponsor directors at major rodeos and fairs across the country.
She spent most of 2016 traveling, seeking new sponsorship opportunities for Mattress Firm, and last February, she was presented with the Multi-Channel Sales Excellence in Leadership award at BedTalks — the company’s yearly leadership conference.
Burda is an active member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions and will represent the Show at the 2017 convention. Through her involvement with the organization, she has developed strong relationships with leading managers and sponsorship directors across the country.
In her new position, Burda will utilize her relationship management skills to implement and maintain the Show’s sponsorship and corporate development programs. With an emphasis on growth, she will be responsible for the creation, design, development, negotiation and execution of official Show sponsorships.
“I am incredibly honored to accept the role of executive director of sponsorships, business and corporate development,” Burda said. “I look forward to utilizing my past experiences as a sponsor and innovative thinking to enhance the Show’s sponsorship program.”
She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration.
Burda and her husband, Greg, live in Santa Fe, Texas, with their 2-year-old son.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled for March 7–26.