Shari Black named Wisconsin State Fair Park executive director and CEO

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin State Fair Park has a new executive director and CEO.

Shari Black had been serving in the interim role since Kathleen O'Leary retired last October. 

Black has been involved in the fair industry for more than 20 years, 15 of them serving as the executive director for the Waukesha County Fair.

“Shari is a strong leader who has the skills and abilities necessary to continue the success of Wisconsin State Fair Park,” said John Yingling, Chairman of the Wisconsin State Fair Park Board of Directors. “She brings extensive experience in operations, fair programming, budgeting, board governance, and relationship management to this role, and is well-respected within the organization and the fair industry. The board looks forward to working with her well into the future.”

Black will oversee a staff of nearly 50 full-time permanent employees, along with more than 1,000 part-time and seasonal employees.