The 14th District Agricultural Association/Santa Cruz County Fair Board of Directors announced Friday that it has accepted the resignation of CEO/Fair Manager Zeke Fraser, effective Feb. 2.
A release from the board stated that Fraser is stepping down from the role for medical and personal reasons.
“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as CEO of the Santa Cruz County Fair,” said Fraser in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished in such a short time, and I want to express my gratitude to the dedicated staff, volunteers, board members, and community partners who made this success possible. Unfortunately, I must step down to focus on my health. I remain confident in the Fair’s continued success and wish nothing but the best for the future of the organization.”
Fraser was hired as CEO/fair manager in June 2023. According to the fair board, the fair saw record-breaking attendance and achieved its most profitable fair to date under Frasher, adding that his “strategic vision, commitment to community engagement and innovative approach helped elevate the Fair as a vital cultural and economic event for Santa Cruz County.”
The fair board will initiate a search for a new CEO in the coming weeks. For the time being, the board said it is working closely with staff to ensure a smooth transition and to continue delivering a successful fair experience for the community in 2025.
“We are deeply grateful for Zeke’s leadership and vision, which will have a lasting impact on the Santa Cruz County Fair,” said Rachel Wells, president of the Board of Directors, in a statement. “While we are saddened by his departure, we understand and support his decision. We wish him the best and are committed to building on the momentum he has helped create.”
Fraser took the reins from interim manager and CEO Ken Alstott, who had previously overseen operations at the San Bernardino County Fair, Mother Lode Fair in Sonora and the Cow Palace in Daly City.
In October 2022, the board voted 7-2 to fire longtime CEO Dave Kegebein after an audit from the California Department of Food and Agriculture found that Kegebein had reportedly used a business debit card to make purchases that were personal and not supported with a receipt or vendor invoice. The two board members who voted against the termination, Jody Belgard and Loretta Estrada, were removed from the board by the state.
Originally Published:
