Fair Staff + Administration

Meet Our Team

Behind every successful fair, event, and community program is a dedicated team working year-round to make it all happen. Our staff brings together decades of experience in operations, administration, finance, marketing, livestock, competitive exhibits, and guest services. Each team member plays a vital role in ensuring the Stanislaus County Fair runs smoothly, safely, and with the exceptional quality our community expects.

Learn more about the people who keep the Fair moving forward every day.

Chief Operating Officer

Kim Williams serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Stanislaus County Fair, providing strategic leadership and executive oversight for one of California’s most respected and innovative fairs. Appointed by the Stanislaus County Fair Board of Directors in March 2023, Williams is the first woman to hold this position in the organization’s history. Her appointment reflects both her distinguished record in the fair industry and her vision for strengthening and expanding the Fair’s role within the community.

An accomplished business professional and seasoned fair executive, Williams brings extensive experience acquired through service at more than 25 annual fairs statewide, including 18 years at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds. Her career in the industry began at the Chowchilla Fair, where she supported vendor coordination and entry processing for the Chowchilla Stampede. She later advanced through multiple operational and administrative roles, including Concession Auditor, Accounts Payable, and ultimately Operations Manager.

Williams graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. For a decade, she served as Operations Manager for the Stanislaus County Fair, where she managed a broad portfolio of responsibilities essential to the Fair’s annual success. Her leadership included designing and executing the yearly fairgrounds layout, with a strategic focus on optimizing revenue generation, enhancing public safety, and elevating the guest experience. She is recognized for her disciplined approach to operations, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Her dedication to the fair industry is rooted in its emphasis on community values, education, agricultural heritage, and tradition. Williams has noted that while her connection to the Stanislaus County Fair is deeply tied to its history, it is equally driven by a commitment to innovation and future advancement.

Under her direction, the Stanislaus County Fair continues to advance its mission of providing a family- and community-oriented experience that promotes agriculture, entertainment, and technology for the residents of Stanislaus County and beyond.

Maintenance Supervisor

Darren began working at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in the spring of 2013. In the spring of 2015, he was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor. In this role, Darren is responsible for overseeing daily workflow, preparing the grounds for event rentals, and continually seeking new ways to improve the 89-acre facility.

Darren and the maintenance crew are responsible for keeping the lights on and the toilets flushing. When asked, “How much toilet paper is used during the 10-day run of the Fair?” Darren’s answer is, “Around 3.6 million sheets of toilet paper.”

During his time as Maintenance Supervisor, Darren has become well known for educating guests on safety and compliance issues, including not parking in fire lanes, generators not being placed 15 feet from permanent structures, no parking under barns, and other violations. His main goal is to leave the facility in better condition than when he received it.

Darren is married to his wife, Heidi, and they have three children: Wayde, Blayne, and Allyson. He is also a 5th-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido. In his spare time, Darren serves as a USA Track & Field (USATF) official for USATF, NCAA, and high school meets.

Office Administration Manager

Apryl Azevedo has been a dedicated member of the Stanislaus County Fair team since 2012 and currently serves as the Office Administration Manager. In her role, she oversees all administrative operations, including contracts, concessions, and accounts receivable, ensuring the Fair’s business functions run smoothly and efficiently.

Before joining the Fair, Apryl served as the Executive Director of the Hughson Chamber of Commerce, where she successfully led community programs and directed the Hughson Fruit & Nut Festival.

A lifelong Central Valley resident, Apryl grew up in Ceres, California. Outside of work, she is the proud mother of six children and grandmother to ten grandchildren.

Livestock + Competitive Exhibitors Manager

Kassi Laughlin has been a dedicated member of the Stanislaus County Fair’s Livestock Department since 2000. With more than two decades of experience, she brings extensive knowledge, organization, and leadership to the fair’s animal and exhibitor programs.

In 2014, Kassi was promoted to Livestock Office Manager, where she streamlined operations and supported exhibitors, staff, and volunteers with her strong attention to detail. In 2021, she advanced to her current role as Livestock & Competitive Exhibitors Manager, overseeing all livestock operations, competitive exhibits, and year-round exhibitor coordination.

A trusted resource for families, exhibitors, and partners, Kassi continues to play a vital role in ensuring the success, safety, and tradition of the Fair’s livestock and competitive exhibits programs.

Marketing Director

Jose Piña has been a member of the Stanislaus County Fair team since 2021, serving as Marketing Manager. In this role, he leads the Fair’s marketing and communications efforts, overseeing advertising, promotions, branding, digital outreach, and sponsorship development. Jose works closely with community and corporate partners to build sponsorships that support Fair programs and events. Known for his creativity and collaborative approach, he plays a key role in increasing public engagement, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing the overall visibility of the Stanislaus County Fair.

Event Rental + Accounts Payable Manager

Rachel Montes joined the Stanislaus County Fair team in 2022 and serves as the Event Rental & Accounts Payable Manager. She coordinates year-round event rentals and oversees key administrative functions, ensuring smooth operations and exceptional service. Rachel’s organization and dedication make her an essential part of the Fair’s success.

Facilities Maintenance

Kathy Poland has been a dedicated member of the Maintenance Department at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds since 2013. She plays an important role in keeping the grounds clean, safe, and welcoming for events, renters, and Fair guests year-round. Kathy assists with cleaning, general upkeep, and a variety of day-to-day tasks that support smooth operations across the facility. Her reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to help wherever needed make her an essential part of the Fairgrounds team.

Competitive Exhibits Coordinator

Alondra Servin joined the Stanislaus County Fair team in 2017 as a Livestock Clerk and accepted the role of Competitive Exhibits Coordinator in 2022. A Modesto, California native and proud FFA alumna, she oversees exhibit entries, supports exhibitors, and helps manage year-round exhibit operations. Known for her organization and dedication, Alondra plays an important role in showcasing the creativity and talent of the community.

Social Media + Graphic Design Manager

Maci Smith has been a dedicated member of the Stan Co Fair team since 2008, bringing 17 years of experience and passion to the organization. She holds a degree in Communication Studies from CSU Stanislaus, which has helped shape her strong background in messaging, outreach, and creative communication.

Over the years, Maci has worked across a wide range of departments, including Exhibits, Admissions, Administrative services, and the Friends of the Fair Foundation, gaining a deep understanding of every aspect of the fair. Today, she has landed in her favorite role yet as the Social Media & Graphic Design Manager, where she combines creativity and a lifelong love for the fair to connect with the community and bring the Stan Co Fair brand to life.

Outside of the fair, Maci is a substitute teacher, dance instructor, and mama to her two daughters Everly & Berkeley - current Stanley Stars who love the fair as much as their mom!

Operations Specialist

Troy Stanhope is an Operations Specialist for the Stanislaus County Fair, supporting office operations, daily administrative duties, and key Fair-time operations. Troy is from Hughson, California.