Dan was born on May 22, 1942, and is an alumnus of Midway High School in Waco, Texas, where he was actively involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), showing livestock. After graduating, he pursued further education at Southwest Texas State University (SWTSU) in San Marcos, Texas. There, he distinguished himself as a dean’s list scholar, served as president of the FFA chapter, and participated in the American Range Society and Circle K Club.
With a degree in Agricultural Education earned in 1964, Dan embarked on a career as a Vocational Agriculture teacher at Round Rock High School, in Round Rock, Texas. He furthered his education by obtaining a master’s degree in 1968 from SWTSU.
In 1970, Dan’s career path took him to the Texas Education Agency, where he served as a consultant and the executive secretary of the Texas Young Farmers Association until 1976. He then joined the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as an executive assistant to the general manager. By 1981, he had become the assistant general manager, and in 1984, he ascended to the position of general manager, becoming only the third individual to hold this title in the show’s history. Following organizational changes in November 2001, he was appointed Vice President/Chief Operating Officer.
Throughout his tenure, Dan was involved in numerous agriculture-related associations, providing leadership in several, including the International Association of Fairs & Expositions, Texas FFA Foundation, American Livestock Show and Rodeo Managers’ Association, Professional Agriculture Workers of Texas, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, and the Houston Chamber of Commerce. He was also actively involved with Beefmaster Breeders United and the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association.
Dan’s contributions to the agriculture industry have been recognized with numerous distinguished service awards. He retired from his full-time role at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in 2003, after dedicating over 25 years to the organization. Post-retirement, Dan returned to Williamson County with Karen, his wife of over 40 years, who also had a career in Home Economics. Together, they manage a cattle operation on land that has been in continuous agricultural operation by the Gattis family since 1904. Additionally, Dan serves as the county judge in Williamson County. Their two sons, Dan M. and Brent, are both involved in politics in Texas and Washington, D.C.
