Industry veteran Jason Rittenberry, the former chief strategy officer for Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, has been named the president and chief executive officer for the Kentucky State Fair Board, which manages the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.
“Jason is a go-getter and brings new energy and insight to the work of the Kentucky State Fair Board and its two properties,” said Dr. Mark Lynn, chairman of the board. “Jason is a proven venue, entertainment and sports professional and the board was drawn to him as a forward-thinking executive. The board recognizes the benefit in his experience with entrepreneurial revenue generation and strategic business development.”
Rittenberry will oversee the operations of the two venues as well as the shows operated by the Fair Board — the Kentucky State Fair, the North American International Livestock Expo and the National Farm Machinery Show. In his new position, Rittenberry serves in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet for the Commonwealth, on the Louisville Convention & Visitors Commission, and on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Derby Festival.
“The board is confident that Jason can bring additional bookings and business, and increased revenue while improving the guest experience at the venues,” said Amanda Storment, vice president of communications of the board.
The Fair Board is charged with contributing to the economic progress of the Commonwealth and advancing Kentucky’s agriculture and tourism industries through conventions, trade shows, public gatherings, and other events at the Kentucky Exposition Center and the downtown convention center.
