SALINAS VALLEY — Leadership at the Salinas Valley Fair has shifted after TJ Plew announced Oct. 7 she was no longer the CEO for the fairgrounds in King City.
“I am no longer professionally affiliated with the Salinas Valley Fair,” Plew posted on social media. “I wish the team much success and will continue to advocate for agricultural fairs as an important component of healthy communities.”
Plew had been the fairgrounds’ CEO for the past six years.
“I am disappointed that the board chose to terminate my agreement,” Plew said. “However, it is their decision and I trust they had the best interests of the organization and community in mind.”
The Salinas Valley Fair Board of Directors held a special meeting Sept. 30, during which the board discussed the CEO’s annual performance review in closed session.
SVF Board President Margaret Noroian was contacted for comment on the decision as well as interim leadership and the search for a new CEO, but she did not respond before press time Tuesday.
Plew said she was proud not only of her own personal accomplishments, but also the team’s achievements while she was with the fair.
“We updated our Master Plan, implemented a strategic plan, developed policies to secure our financial reserves, invested in facility improvements, expanded our community outreach efforts, grew our digital brand, committed to emergency response training and facilitated thousands of non-fair events that benefited the local economy,” Plew said. “The fair’s staff, volunteers and leaders are dedicated to the organization’s mission and vision. I am confident they will continue to thrive and serve the Salinas Valley.”
For the immediate future, Plew said she will spend time with family and continue to serve the community as a member of the Monterey County Arts Council, King City Recreation Commission, King City Rotarian and 4-H volunteer.
