Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (1:12 pm)
OC Fair CEO Michele Richards announces her retirement
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.