WSF names manager

Douglas – The Wyoming State Fair (WSF) Board is pleased to announce Courtny Conkle has been named manager of the Wyoming State Fair.

              With deep roots in the fair community, Conkle brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the Wyoming State Fair. As someone who grew up in a fair family running concession businesses, she received an extensive and hands-on education by attending more than 300 fairs across 20 states with her parents before she was 16 years old.

              In her professional career, she has managed a 64-acre facility, as well as livestock and exhibits for the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, Calif., where she went on to be named interim chief executive officer and fair manager. Most recently, she served as the chief executive officer of the Lake County Fair where she supervised 250 employees, 400 volunteers and oversaw the grounds and events year-round. 

              “Courtny’s background in the fair industry and her professional accomplishments will be an amazing asset to the Wyoming State Fair as we move forward in the coming years,” said Wyoming State Fair Board Chairman Joe Rankin. “Her love of fairs, drive and varied experience in this industry will be a guiding force as we continue to improve the State Fair in both fair and non-fair times of the year.”

              Conkle has been a member of the Western Fairs Association (WFA) Board of Directors, International Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (IAFE) Young Professionals Initiative Chairwoman, WFA Blue Ribbon Foundation Board Liaison and is currently a student in the IAFE Institute of Fair Management, which she will graduate from at the annual IAFE Convention in December. 

              “As someone who grew up in and around fairs, I’m excited to bring my skill set, passion for the fair industry and deep love for agriculture to Wyoming,” said Conkle. “It has always been a goal of mine to manage a state fair and stepping in as manager of the Wyoming State Fair is a dream come true.”