Skip Wagner

 

Skip Wagner started his Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ career in 1992, serving as assistant general manager, primarily focused on the grounds entertainment, operations and fund-raising aspects of the event. Wagner continued in this capacity with the Show until 2000.

From 2000 through 2003, Wagner was president and general manager of the Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City.

In 2004, Wagner returned to Houston, and, in 2005, became president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He works with more than 20,000 volunteers and a great staff to ensure that the Show remains the premier entertainment and civic event in the Southwest. The 75th anniversary, celebrated in 2007, was the biggest and best ever, resulting in a record $16 million being contributed to programs benefiting Texas youth and education.

Wagner graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1982 with a degree in chemical engineering, and from Harvard Business School in 1986 with a master’s degree in business administration. In addition to the organizations mentioned above, Wagner worked for Conoco for two years, a start-up software company for two years and the management consulting company, McKinsey and Co. for four years just prior to joining the Rodeo.

Wagner and his wife Cindy have been married 25 years and have four children. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Mays Business School Development Counsel. Wagner’s personal interests include teaching young adult Bible classes, coaching youth sports, running and golf.