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Wisconsin State Fair names interim CEO

Wisconsin’s State Fair board has selected an interim CEO and Executive Director.  Chairman John Yingling says Shari Black will take over when Kathleen O’Leary retires at the end of October.

Black served as Executive Director for the Waukesha County Fair in Waukesha, Wis., for 15 years before joining the Wisconsin State Fair in 2016 as Senior Director of Event Services.  She was promoted to Chief Programs Officer in 2019, which included overseeing Agriculture, Vendor Services, Competitive Exhibits, Entertainment, and all rides and attractions for the State Fair event.

Chairman Yingling must appoint a search committee to find the permanent replacement for O’Leary, who served 24 years at Wisconsin State Fair, and as CEO and Executive Director for the past five years.