Santa Maria Fairpark Appoints Interim CEO
SANTA MARIA—The Santa Maria Fairpark recently appointed its Deputy Manager, Autumn Acquistapace as interim CEO, representatives announced today. She will take on the duties of Richard Persons, who retired on June 30 after serving five years as Santa Maria Fairpark CEO.
Prior to serving as the Fair’s Deputy Manager, Acquistapace spent eight years in the position of Event Coordinator for the Fairpark. In her new role, she will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Fairpark.
Acquistapace has worked in various administrative capacities with the State of California for more than 20 years. She moved to Santa Maria after graduating from college in 2007 and then marrying her husband Bobby, with whom she has two young boys. Acquistapace is currently a member of Leading from Within—Katherine Harvey Fellows Class 2016-2017, the Minerva Club of Santa Maria, and a Board of Director with the Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum.
The change comes at a time when the Fairpark faces challenges after the cancellation of its two main events because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival and the Santa Barbara County Fair. Plans are in the works for a fall festival in October.
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About the Santa Maria Fairpark
The Santa Maria Fairpark serves as the hub for major events and community activities on California’s Central Coast. The state-owned facility hosts the annual Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival, which attracts more than 60,000 people and is home to its headlining event the Santa Barbara County Fair, which is attended by more than 150,000 people.