Category Archives: Board of Directors

Wednesday, November 26, 2025 (11:44 am)

Leadership Committee
• Chair Bagneris (committee chair), Vice Chair Ruiz
Purpose:
This committee provides executive support to the Board and acts on behalf of the full Board during emergency situations.
Focus:
• Consult with CEO
• Develop Board meeting agendas
• Address Board issues
• Conduct annual safety/security meeting
• Initiate strategic planning
• Complete the strategic planning process and provide ongoing monitoring

Financial Monitoring and Audit Committee
• Director Pham (committee chair) and Director Bilezikjian
Purpose:
This committee monitors the organization’s financial position and ensures financial controls are in place.
Focus:
• Monthly financial oversight
• Annual budget review
• Annual audit process
• Participate in the scoring process for key RFPs, including for carnival services

Facilities Committee
• Director Bilezikjian (committee chair) and Director Kovacevich
Purpose:
This committee reviews buildings and grounds related projects and issues and recommends site planning direction
Focus:
• Construction projects
• Capital expenditures
• Master site planning

Governance Committee
• Director Bagneris (committee chair) and Chair Kovacevich
Purpose:
This committee ensures compliance with all Board policies and regulatory requirements
Focus:
• Policy updates
• Bagley-Keene open meeting compliance
• Annual form 700 reporting
• Annual required Board training
• Legislative monitoring

Community Affairs Committee
• Director Rubalcava-Garcia (committee chair) and Director Jackson
Purpose:
This committee oversees the Board’s relationship with the community
Focus:
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Community engagement
• Relationships with local, county and state officials

Entertainment Task Force Committee
Director La Belle (committee chair) and Director Jackson
Purpose:
This committee, in coordination with staff, provides advisory input on programming categories, genres, themes, options, and objectives for the entertainment programming at all District entertainment venues
Focus:
• Pacific Amphitheatre programming enhancement opportunities
• Hangar and Action Sports Arena programming enhancement opportunities
• Grounds-wide programming enhancement opportunities
• Input for Fair Season and year-round events
• Utilizing Board contacts and relationships for sponsorship and new event sales opportunities

Thursday, October 23, 2025 (3:30 pm)

COSTA MESA (Oct. 23, 2025) – At today’s meeting, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors named Barbara Bagneris as Chair and Robert Ruiz as Vice Chair to serve as Board leadership in 2026.

Bagneris leaves her role as Vice Chair to take the Board’s lead position and has also previously served as Chair. Bagneris resides in Orange and was appointed to the Board in 2014. She has been a principal financial analyst at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems since 2010.

The Board has lead the development of the Fairgrounds’ Master Site Plan and strategic planning efforts over the past year and has seen fiscal growth and increased community engagement from the annual OC Fair and year-round events.

“I’ve seen the incredible growth and impact of this organization. I’m especially pleased to be working alongside Robert Ruiz again as Vice Chair,” said Bagneris. “Together, we’re focused on deepening our connection with the community through entertainment, events and agricultural education. The organization is well-managed, financially strong and ready to build on its success to do even more for Orange County.”

Ruiz has served on the Board since 2014 and previously held the positions of Board Chair and Vice Chair. He resides in Irvine and has been secretary-treasurer at Laborers Local 652 since 2003, where he was a field agent from 2002 to 2003.

Kovacevich ends two terms of service as Board Chair and will remain as a Director. He is the former CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of ancillary cannabis products and accessories. He is a resident of Newport Beach and was appointed to the Board in 2020.

Board officers are nominated by a committee of fellow Board members each year. Board members are appointed by the Governor of California and may serve more than one term.

Monday, June 16, 2025 (11:00 am)

COSTA MESA (June 16, 2025) – The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) Board of Directors announced today that James Canfield is OCFEC’s new Chief Executive Officer. Canfield brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in venue management, live events and large-scale projects. Most recently, he served as Senior Director and General Manager of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in Alabama where he led initiatives including the completion of Protective Stadium and a major renovation of Legacy Arena.

Canfield 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.

“On behalf of the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors, I am very happy to welcome James Canfield as our new Chief Executive Officer. With his extensive experience in managing premier convention and entertainment venues, James is exceptionally well-suited to lead our organization into its next chapter,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich.

“His innovative approach and dedication to operational excellence will ensure that the OC Fair and our year-round events continue to be cherished community traditions delivering joy, education and memorable experiences to all who visit. We look forward to the fresh perspective and dynamic leadership he will bring to our team,” Kovacevich continued.

Canfield will start July 1 as staff and partners prepare for the 135^th annual OC Fair which will run July 18-Aug. 17. Canfield replaces former CEO Michele Richards who retired in May after serving OCFEC for more than 20 years.

“I am very excited to return to California and to have the great opportunity to lead OC Fair & Event Center into a new era that builds on its rich legacy while advancing innovation and community-focused programming,” Canfield said. “I am very much looking forward to opening day of this year’s OC Fair.”

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (1:12 pm)

After more than 20 years of service at OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC), top executive Michele Richards has announced that she will retire this spring prior to the 2025 OC Fair.

She was appointed as CEO by the Board of Directors in December 2019 and led the state agency through several key projects, including shepherding the organization through the pandemic, helping lead the Board of Directors through two multi-year strategic plans, introducing a master site plan for the property, delivering five of the most successful fairs in the organization’s history, and expanding OCFEC’s free public programs through Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall, Imaginology and now The Ranch Community Center.

Richards was instrumental in the OC Fair’s adoption of a new business model, unique to the industry, that places customer satisfaction and long-term financial stability above the race for ever-increasing attendance numbers. She believes it is important to reduce crowding at the Fair, to be a good neighbor to those living nearby, to responsibly manage the organization’s resources and ensure that safety remains a top priority.

Richards will be relocating to Georgia to take on a larger role in the care of family members.

“It has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead this organization, to serve the community and to bring so much happiness through the OC Fair, Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall and the many events and festivals that take place all year long,” said Richards. “It will be so hard to say goodbye to my friends, colleagues and partners who have been so important to me, but I know that OCFEC will be in great hands with solid plans and the financial stability to successfully move forward. It is now time to focus on my family and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to do so.”

Now leading an organization of over 250 year-round full- and part-time employees and more than 1,500 seasonal workers that help put on the highly successful annual OC Fair, Richards previously served as the organization’s Vice President of Business Development for more than seven years, leading the marketing, communications, sponsorship, creative services, events and exhibits and education departments. She was also an organizational development consultant to OCFEC for 11 years before joining the staff.

Of her many accomplishments, Richards is most proud of building what she calls “the best team in the fair industry” which she credits with going above and beyond to serve the community and create new experiences. “I’ve been so blessed to be able to lead smart and creative people, harness their ideas into reality and celebrate with them as we bring joy to so many in the community through our entertainment, educational and community support programs.”

Many changes to the OC Fairgrounds property are currently in the works following years of planning and public input including a new Master Site Plan that will make way for more educational opportunities and public access to animals and agriculture, helping to fulfill OCFEC’s mission, “Creating equitable community access to agriculture, entertainment, cultural and educational experiences.”

Another recent development is the implementation of a new vision for The Ranch Community Center. The 7.5-acre area of the fairgrounds is now operating under a new plan that provides access to horses and free or low-cost equine experiences while also setting aside space for private boarding and training. This new model opens the facility for greater public access and educational programs along with the continued boarding opportunities.

“Michele Richards has left an unforgettable mark on OC Fair & Event Center. Her leadership during challenging times, especially steering us through the global pandemic, exemplified the true essence of resilience and innovation,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich . “Under her guidance, OCFEC has not only weathered storms but has emerged stronger, with a business model focused on sustainability, community satisfaction and safety. As Michele steps away to dedicate her time to her family, she leaves behind an organization that is not just surviving but thriving, poised to seize new opportunities with enthusiasm. Her vision, dedication and heartfelt service have been the bedrock of our success. On behalf of the Board, our staff and the community we’ve served together, we express our profound gratitude to Michele.”

The Board has initiated a comprehensive search process to identify potential candidates for the CEO position.

Thursday, October 24, 2024 (3:40 pm)

At today’s meeting, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors again named Nick Kovacevich as Chair and Barbara Bagneris as Vice Chair to serve as Board leadership in 2025.

The Board has taken on significant projects in the past year and the nominating committee noted the importance of continuity in asking the current chair and vice chair to continue in their positions to shepherd key initiatives.

“I am honored to be asked to continue my board leadership role through the next year,” said Board Chair Kovacevich. “As a Board, we have embarked on some truly groundbreaking work with The Ranch Community Center, the master site plan and our expanding community-focused educational programs. Along with Vice Chair Barbara Bagneris, I am greatly optimistic about the fiscal position of OCFEC coming off a record-breaking Fair and our work ahead to serve the public.”

Kovacevich and Bagneris were voted into their current leadership positions in November 2023. Bagneris has previously served as Board Chair.

Kovaçeviçh is the former CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of ancillary cannabis products and accessories. He is a resident of Newport Beach and was appointed to the Board in 2020.

Bagneris has been the principal financial analyst at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems since 2010. Bagneris has served on the Board since 2014 and resides in Orange.

Board officers are nominated for office by a committee of fellow Board members. Board members are appointed by the Governor of California and may serve more than one term.

Thursday, September 26, 2024 (5:30 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) is excited to unveil the latest expansion of its community give-back programs at its reimagined equestrian center, now called The Ranch Community Center.

The Board embraced a bold new vision and operating model for the property in January, focusing on broad community access, education, accredited equine-assisted therapy and free hands-on experiences with horses. The vision for The Ranch also includes continuing the existing boarding and training of privately owned horses at the 7.5-acre facility. Staff have been working to develop key educational, community and agriculture partners for the new public programs which will begin rolling out next month.

“In service of our mission to create equitable community access to agriculture, entertainment, cultural and educational opportunities, The Ranch will open the facility to a much wider segment of the Orange County community so our programs promoting equine education and experiences with horses will be within reach for all,” said OC Fair Board Chair Nick Kovacevich.

Key initiatives include:
· Equine exhibits
· The Ranch After-School Program
· Ranch Discovery Days, school tours and hands-on equine experiences
· Accredited equine-assisted therapy programs and services
· Educational partnerships
· Small regional horse shows and clinics
· Boarding and training of privately owned horses

Operating in concert with OCFEC’s other educational venues such as Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall, The Ranch will provide free or low-cost educational opportunities and experiences to the entire community year-round. Centennial Farm is celebrating its 35^th anniversary of public service this year and welcomes The Ranch to the family of public assets.

The Ranch will debut engaging exhibits highlighting the history and heritage of horses and their contribution to California agriculture. These exhibits will feature information on horse care, breeds and types of horses, tack and equipment, horse uses, careers in horse and ranching industries, famous horses and much more.

OCFEC’s Ranch After-School Program has traditionally operated out of Centennial Farm, but will now have its new home at The Ranch. The program inspires youth from local schools to explore careers in agriculture by providing hands-on experiences with crops and animals. The public will also be able to participate in The Ranch Discovery Days where student groups, youth organizations, senior groups and community programs can engage with horses and learn about their care.

OCFEC will also be collaborating with many nonprofit and community groups to bring unique opportunities and experiences to The Ranch, including those providing licensed mental health services as well as those serving veterans and students interested in careers working with animals or agriculture. Each will work with OCFEC to create a vibrant hub of new and expanded opportunities where members of the public can learn about horses, experience their therapeutic benefits and enjoy engaging activities.

The Ranch, along with OCFEC as a whole, will continue to serve the community during emergencies, serving as a large-animal evacuation center and providing space and assistance as needed. Looking ahead, OCFEC is exploring innovative programs such as gardening for stress relief, clinics and demonstrations as well as agriculture and equine conferences.

“We look forward to inviting the community to The Ranch Community Center to explore, learn and connect with these beautiful animals,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards.

Friday, May 24, 2024 (10:14 am)

On May 23, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proudly proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month. This special declaration was received by A.G. Kawamura.

A.G. Kawamura is as a third-generation fruit and vegetable grower and shipper in Orange County, former Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and co-developer of Centennial Farm. We are honored to celebrate his dedication to the goal of ending hunger in our lifetime, working to provide fresh produce to local food banks through his nonprofit, Solutions for Urban Agriculture

The proclamation was presented by Director Dimetria Jackson and Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia, representing both the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

Monday, April 29, 2024 (11:09 am)

OC Fair & Event Center embarked on a momentous journey with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Administration Building expansion, phase 1 of the 10-phase Master Site Plan.

With shovels in hand, representatives from California Construction Authority, Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc. and LPA Design Studios symbolically dug into the soil, paving the way for innovative growth and enhanced capabilities.

This expansion not only promises a physical space, but a beacon of progress and possibility, amplifying the organization’s role as a hub for creativity, culture and connection.

California Construction Authority representatives
Josh Brones        Chief Operations Officer
Sean Slay          Project Manager
Tom Stevens      Project Manager
Krystal Toledo      Project Coordinator
Bren Walker        Program Manager

Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc. representatives
Chuck McArthur    Executive VP
Dave Christensen   General Superintendent
Jeff Stratton         Project Manager
Mike Rintoul         Project Engineer 

LPA Design Studios representatives
Jim Wirick
Denise Mendelssohn
Kyle Griffin
Justin Argomaniz
Nicole Fennell
Amy DiCosola
Sonaly Dudheker
Jessie Hong
Kitty Cheung
Greg Bistritz

Friday, April 26, 2024 (4:22 pm)

COSTA MESA (April 26, 2024) – On April 25, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proudly proclaimed April as Arab-American History Month. This special declaration was received by Nahla Kayali.

Nahla Kayali is a Palestinian refugee from Syria who founded the nonprofit organization Access California Services (AccessCal) in 1998. Each year, AccessCal serves approximately 12,000 underserved and vulnerable individuals, including immigrants and refugees.

The proclamation was presented by Director Dimetria Jackson and Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia, representing both the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

Friday, March 29, 2024 (10:12 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors reaffirmed, on March 28, its plans to open up the fairgrounds’ equestrian center by introducing public programming centered around equine education, mental health support and entertainment for the whole community.

The new equine center model will provide greater access for the public to benefit from these free and low-cost programs.

Staff updated the Board on plans to host a free public horse show in June, one of the first programs developed by OC Fair staff for the public in the new plan. The organization’s Ranch After School Program will move from Centennial Farm to the new community equine center with plans for expanding to include many more student participants by providing agricultural education and hands-on learning experiences for local youth. Staff is partnering with the North Orange County Veterans Center to provide certified equine therapy to veterans and their families. And, soon, college veterinary tech students will use the center for experiential learning.

“We’re very excited to advance the Board’s vision for the community equine center. Our public programs will provide equine education, support and entertainment to the greater Orange County community and to those who may not otherwise have access to horses,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards.

The new community equine center will continue to provide boarding and training activities for privately owned horses. The Board voted to approve new rental rates and facility usage plans to ensure the expense of operating the boarding and training activities is fully covered by tenants to avoid a gift of public funds. A three-phase approach to rent adjustments will start with a 45 percent increase in June, followed by 10 percent adjustments in October and January 2025.

“We are excited to continue making progress toward the future of the equine center, where we can maintain the legacy horse boarders, while also taking direct control of the expansive public programming soon to be offered,” said OC Fair Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “Under the new model, it’s critical that as state property, the rental fees charged to private tenants cover our operating expenses for boarding and training.”

Kovacevich also emphasized that, by opening up a sizable portion of the facility to public programming, the District can now use state funds to directly support programs for the public at large. 

He says the Board has been moving toward a more equitable use of horse property on the fairgrounds and looks forward to providing equine education, entertainment and therapeutic opportunities with certified partners, in addition to more open access for all in Orange County to the benefits horses provide.

For the media:

Board meeting agenda and packet 3.28.24: https://ocfair.com/publicmeetings/board-of-directors-meeting-march-28-2024/

Equestrian center rate background and comparisons: https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ocfair.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/03/22154516/24_03_Item9B_New_EQC_Rental_Rates.pdf