The California Mid-State Fair Board of Directors announced the appointment of Michael Bradley as the new CEO of the California Mid-State Fair and Paso Robles Event Center, effective May 16, 2016. The Board of Directors retained Ralph Andersen and Associates of Sacramento, Calif., to conduct the extensive search, which produced interest from talented candidates from across the nation. He replaces Vivian Robertson who retired Jan. 31, 2016, and who had been with the fair since 1978.
Bradley provides a unique combination of fairs and exposition management, nonprofit leadership and business development; has developed an extensive background in agriculture and hands-on experience in marketing and community relations. Most recently he has directed the Arizona National Livestock Show in Phoenix as the CEO.
Bradley's professional career includes nearly three decades as an executive with the California State Fair and five years of management responsibilities with the California Farm Bureau Federation. Since his tenure at Cal Poly, he has served on various Cal Poly Advisory Boards and University events. He participated in the program development for the inaugural Savor the Central Coast celebration at Santa Margarita Ranch.