The saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and bludgeoning of the English language aside, it is an apt description for the recent change in leadership atop Tulsa’s Expo Square.
On July 2, Amanda Blair was unanimously approved by the Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority to become the next chief executive officer of the fairgrounds.
She succeeds Mark Andrus, who retired as CEO earlier this year.
“It’s a great honor to step into that leadership additional leadership role and being able to help prepare us for the future,” said Blair, who previously served as Expo Square’s chief operating officer. “[I am] just excited to continue to grow and invest in a facility that gives back so much to Tulsa.”
A Tulsa native, Blair began her career at Expo Square in 2005 as the assistant manager of the ticket office. Back then, she never imagined she would one day be leading the multi-acre facility in midtown Tulsa.
“Definitely not whenever I first started, for sure,” she said. “But it’s definitely been a very smooth transition though over the years.”
She hits the ground running in her new role. Expo Square’s flagship event, the Tulsa State Fair, begins Oct. 1.
“It’s just a different gear,” Blair said. “Everyone is working together, all hands on deck to make sure that we build our community’s largest event and execute it.”
New this year is a Tulsa State Fair “Workday Lunch Pass,” which provides half-price admission and complimentary parking between 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 5-7.
From noon-2 p.m. 12 on those days, ticketholders can enjoy live music (including a concert from Tulsa’s own King Cabbage Brass Band on Oct. 7) and the iconic food the fair is known for.
“Companies in our community can reserve tables, specifically on Wednesday of the Fair, where we’ll have King Cabbage Brass Band during lunch,” she said. “Come out and support your community’s largest event while taking a break from your normal workday. It should be a very fun lunch break.”
The Workday Lunch Pass is the latest example of the environment of innovation Blair covets for the event, already considered one of the best state fairs in the country.
“My vision is definitely to never have a finish line,” Blair said. “We want to keep those economic impact dollars in Tulsa and Tulsa County.”