Committees

The Western Fairs Association Board of Directors approves the establishment of committees and their functions. The chair and members are appointed by the president and approved by the board. Each committee has its specific responsibility and objective, and is required to report action and recommendations directly to the board at its next regular meeting. While all committees have specific responsibilities, participation from the membership is required for the success of any program.

Achievement Awards

The Achievement Awards Committee refines and updates the Achievement Awards program on an annual basis, and preserves and archives the awards to provide as a resource for the fair industry.

Committee Chair

Charlie Barboni

Agriculture Committee

The Agriculture Committee is comprised of Animal Agriculture & Livestock Advocacy, Animal Attractions and Agriculture Education and helps to ensure that issues relating to agriculture receives the attention needed as its members assist in advocacy and outreach in regards to any issues that may arise.

Committee Chair

Dave Dillabo, Yuba-Sutter County Fair

Vice Chair

Lisa Tibbals, Lyon County Fair, Rodeo and Silver State Livestock Show

Blue Ribbon Foundation Auction

The Blue-Ribbon Foundation is a subsidiary of Western Fairs Association.As a charitable, nonprofit organization, it is dedicated to supporting the fair industry through professional and public outreach.The vision of the Blue-Ribbon Foundation is to sustain the fair industry with a consistent presence of leadership and support through training, educational scholarships and professional services.The auction committee is responsible for fundraising to support key programs for the annual convention, the BRF/WFA scholarship program, and to solicit and secure donations for the silent and live auctions at the annual convention.Committee members may also be recruited to help in running the auction at convention.

Industry Standards

The Industry Standards Committee reviews industry issues, particularly with respect to fair management, joint power authorities and service members with a goal of problem solving and creating mutually approved best business standards. The committee will work closely with NICA West, the California Fair Services Authority, California Authority of Racing Fairs, California Fairs Alliance and the Professional Development Committee.

Committee Chair

Judy Carrico, Central Washington State Fair

Vice Chair

Wanell Castello, Arizonia State Fair

Leadership Development

The Leadership Development Committee develops programs to enhance and foster executive development of fair board directors, chief executive officers and fair management throughout the industry, as well as mentors and directs the training for fair board directors.

Committee Chair

Kim Grewe-Powell, Oregon State Fair

Vice Chair

TJ Plew-Hearne, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Professional Development

The Professional Development Committee oversees the educational programs and materials produced by WFA, and works with staff on educational programming content for the annual Convention, and other programs as needed, by participating in the call for presentations, conference calls, and meetings when able. Committee members introduce the speakers at breakout sessions at the annual Convention.

Committee Chair

Kaitlyn Findley-Thorne, San Diego County Fair

Vice Chair

Mark Young, MyCreative

Showcase Committee

The Showcase Committee develops criteria and selects acts and attractions to Showcase during the WFA Convention. The committee also makes recommendations to improve the overall effectiveness of the Showcase program.

Committee Chair

Joe Anderson