Experienced fair executive Jeff Curtis takes the helm at Deschutes County Fair & Expo

Deschutes County welcomes Jeff Curtis, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska State Fair, as the new Director of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center.

Curtis will begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 9, replacing Geoff Hinds, who left in September. He was selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates following a nationwide recruitment.

“We’re excited to have Jeff join the Deschutes County team,” said Deputy County Administrator and Interim Fair and Expo Director Erik Kropp. “We are pleased to have identified such a well-qualified candidate that brings a proven track record leading large complex organizations.”

Curtis brings a wealth of experience, having spent 18 years as CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation and over two years as the CEO of the Alaska State Fair. His expertise includes managing multiple event facilities, corporate sponsorship sales, fair and festival operations, and public communication.

Curtis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He has served on several boards, including as board chair for the International Festival and Events Association, and as a member for the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Mat Su Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors.

As Deschutes County Fair & Expo Director, Curtis will oversee the daily operations and marketing of the 340-acre facility. Each year, Fair & Expo hosts over 400 events including the County Fair and Rodeo, motocross, BMX, trade shows and concerts. The center offers 200,000 square feet of indoor event space, 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas, 400 horse stalls, and a 105-space, full-service RV park.  As a leading tourist destination in Central Oregon, it attracts nearly one million visitors annually.

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Media Contact:

Kim Katchur, Public Information Officer

(541) 322-7441