The Stanislaus County Fair announced Monday that Matthew Cranford has been named the new CEO.
Stanislaus County Fair Board President Ray Souza announced at the board meeting that they have chosen Cranford, a California native, after six months of searching.
“We had an excellent group of candidates and it was a very competitive process,” said Souza. “We are happy we had such a highly qualified group and we were able to choose the perfect candidate for the Stanislaus County Fair.”
Cranford has worked at San Mateo County Fair since 2008 and in 2009 was promoted to Fair manager. Cranford grew up in the Central Valley area while attending Modesto Adventist Academy which is now called Central Valley Christian Academy. He graduated from CSU Stanislaus with a Bachelor of Science degree in Businesses Administration in 2004. He is a Trained Crowd Manager with International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) as well as a Certified Festival & Events Executive (CFEE) with International Festivals and Events Association.
“To come back to my home town is very exciting for me,” said Cranford. “This Fair is known for its community involvement, leadership and innovative events, and I have some big shoes to fill with Chris Borovansky leaving.”
Borovansky has served as the CEO of the Stanislaus County Fair since April 2010 and has been committed to building a strong family-friendly environment for the Stanislaus County Fair as well as maintaining fiscal stability as state fair funding was eliminated.
“The new CEO will be inheriting a well grounded Fair tied to the community, as well as an established Friends of the Fair Foundation, which has been built by CEO Chris Borovansky,” said Souza.
Cranford’s selection as the new CEO came with the support of Borovansky, who announced his retirement in February.
“I’m elated the board has found a candidate as strong as Matt,” Borovansky said. “He’ll be a great fit with a tremendous board of directors and staff.”
The 2015 Stanislaus County Fair opens Friday, July 10 for a 10-day run. Discounted Fair admission tickets, unlimited ride wristbands, and the Fair season pass are now on sale through July 9 at 7 p.m.
