Susan Christian

With nearly four decades of dynamic stewardship spanning the administrations of seven Houston mayors, Susan Christian has transformed Houston’s cultural landscape into a nationally recognized hub for creativity and celebration. As the recently retired Director of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE), Christian’s imprint extends far beyond event planning, encompassing a holistic approach to community enrichment and talent development.

Central to Christian’s strategy is her unwavering commitment to inclusivity. Under her guidance, serving as the City’s event producer for local and national events, the city’s Civic Celebration Program blossomed into a year-round showcase of Houston’s rich cultural tapestry. From the iconic July 4th SHELL Freedom Over Texas celebration to the beloved H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade and neighborhood favorite Cigna Sunday in the Park, Christian curated platforms that not only entertained millions but also profiled emerging talents alongside established luminaries, providing them with prominent exposure.

Christian’s foresight and dedication are evident in the creation of the City’s Special Events Ordinance, a pioneering framework that sets the standard for safety, efficiency, and transparency in event management. Leveraging her expertise, Houston has emerged as a premier destination for nationally competitive events, including NCAA Championships, Super Bowls, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where she served on the bid committee. Through strategic collaborations with partners like Houston First and the Houston Sports Authority, Christian fosters a sense of unity and pride within the community. She has produced all of Houston’s eight national sports championship victory parades for the Houston Rockets, former Houston Comets, and the Houston Astros. She co-produced the 1997, 1998 and 1999 Power of Houston events — the largest events in Houston’s history.

In 2015, Christian co-founded Houston Civic Events, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the work of MOSE to create an efficient and transparent organization for raising funds for the City’s Civic Celebration Program and to nurture the city’s burgeoning talent pool. Through mentorship programs, workshops, and strategic alliances with educational institutions, she has cultivated an ecosystem where aspiring producers, artists, and musicians can flourish.

In March 2025, Christian joined Rice University as the school’s first senior director of campus and community engagement and conference services. She plans to share her decades of experience by helping Rice develop major productions and conferences aimed to elevate Rice’s profile locally and globally. The multifaceted position includes overseeing a wide variety of high-profile campus events, innovative community engagement initiatives, and fostering goodwill and cultural exchange. Additionally, Christian will spearhead the launch of a new conference services division aimed to attract more top-tier academic conferences, symposia and intellectual forums to Rice.

Christian’s passion for community enrichment is deeply personal, and she has served on numerous boards and committees. As a proud parent of two young boys, alongside her partner Laura Spanjian, she understands the importance of nurturing future generations and leaving a lasting legacy of inclusivity and opportunity. Christian holds a BFA in Theatre from Texas Christian University.