Ohio State Fair

The Ohio Expositions Commission has named Adam Heffron to be the new executive director of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair after being appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine last week. Heffron will replace long-time General Manager Virgil Strickler, who is retiring.

“Replacing someone with the decades of experience and dedication of Virgil Strickler was not an easy task, but we look forward to working with Mr. Heffron as the plans to enhance the Ohio State Fair and other popular events at the Ohio Expo Center come to fruition for the betterment of Ohio agriculture,” said Adam Sharp, executive vice president of Ohio Farm Bureau.

Heffron comes to Ohio from his position as the director of Dane County’s Alliant Energy Center, a multi venue events center hosting agricultural and other large events in Wisconsin’s state capital.

“I am excited to welcome Adam Heffron back to Ohio to lead the next period of growth and development at the Ohio State Fair,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Adam has the experience and passion to make our state fair the best in the nation. He will lead the changes outlined in the Expo 2050 plan that will make our fairgrounds even better for fairgoers, exhibitors and other visitors.”

Adam Heffron
Adam Heffron

Heffron has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality and entertainment industry, including organizing major music and agricultural events. He has worked in leadership positions with the Wisconsin State Fair, Washington State Fair, Meet Minneapolis: Convention & Visitors Association, the Minnesota State Fair, and the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.

In addition to his agricultural events experience, Heffron was director of facilities and operations for Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. which produces Summerfest, one of the world’s largest music festivals, generating $187 million in economic impact for the Milwaukee community. 

“I am excited to step into this role and build upon the incredible legacy of Virgil Strickler by helping to make the governor’s 2050 vision a reality. I look forward to bringing my diverse experiences to the table to lead Ohio’s state fair and expo center in becoming the best in the nation,” Heffron said.

Heffron is expected to start in March.

The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Giving farmers a voice
The plan we are on is great. It’s comparable to my previous job's plan, and we are a sole proprietor.
Kevin Holy's avatar
Kevin Holy

Geauga County Farm Bureau

Ohio Farm Bureau Health Benefits Plan
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
Gretchan Francis's avatar
Gretchan Francis

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Bringing the farm back to life
We really appreciate what Farm Bureau has done to get people interested in this line of work and workforce development and getting people interested in this industry.
Jody Brown Boyd's avatar
Jody Brown Boyd

Brown's Family Farm Market

Finding farm labor
We work terrifically with the Ashtabula County Farm Bureau, hosting at least one to two outreach town hall events every year to educate new farmers and existing farmers on traditional CAUV and woodlands.
David Thomas's avatar
David Thomas

Ashtabula County Auditor

CAUV: Past, present and future
Because we are younger farmers just starting out, Farm Bureau has a lot of good opportunities and resources to help us grow in the future.
Hannah Kiser's avatar
Hannah Kiser

Sandusky County Farm Bureau

Farm Bureau involvement
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
Chad Ruhl's avatar
Chad Ruhl

Farm manager, CSI Insurance

Select Partner Program
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
Suggested Tags: