James Canfield

General Manager and CEO

James Canfield was named OC Fair & Event Center’s CEO in June 2025. He brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in venue management, live events and large-scale infrastructure projects. Most recently, he served as Senior Director and General Manager of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Alabama, where he led significant transformations including the completion of Protective Stadium and a major renovation of Legacy Arena.

James has also held executive roles at major California venues including the Palm Springs Convention Center, Pasadena Convention Center and Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. His work has focused on driving economic impact, community engagement and strategic growth.

Michele Capps

Chief Business Development Officer

• Agriculture Education
• Communications
• Creative Services
• Exhibits & Education
• Guest Experience
• Marketing
• Sponsorships & Sales

Michele Capps is an accomplished marketing and public relations executive focusing on business development, branding, lifestyle marketing and advertising. Her expertise has been instrumental in the leisure and hospitality industry, particularly at Cedar Fair’s West Coast properties and Palace Entertainment Corporate. Michele has led PR and marketing efforts for a portfolio of 50 properties, including amusement parks, water parks, hotels, restaurants, campgrounds and animal parks.

mcapps@ocfair.com

Melissa Au-Yeung

Chief Administrative Officer

• Finance
• Human Resources
• Admissions
• Information Technology

Melissa Au-Yeung was appointed the Chief Administrative Officer on January 1, 2023 and oversees the Finance, Human Resources, Admissions, and Information Technology functions. Prior to joining OC Fair & Event Center, she had more than 18 years of experience working in a wide variety of public agency operations for several local public agencies, most recently serving as Deputy City Manager.

Melissa completed her undergraduate degree at Vanguard University and received her Masters in Public Administration with an emphasis in Urban Management from California State University, Fullerton in 2006.

mauyeung@ocfair.com

Open

Chief Operating Officer

• Master Site Planning & Capital Projects
• Fair Production
• Security
• Event Operations
• Facility Operations
• Planning & Production
• Food & Beverage

OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) is currently recruiting for the position of Chief Operating Officer. Serving as a member of OCFEC’s executive management team, the Chief Operating Officer provides strategic direction for the organization by working with executive management as well as the Board of Directors to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies. The Chief Operating Officer provides leadership to guide OCFEC’s operations functions in support of the organization’s mission, vision, operational core values and strategic priorities.

To learn more and to apply, please see the link below:
cpshr.us/recruitment/2519/