Oklahoma State Fair Inc.
Jonathan F. has an extensive work background in various industries. Jonathan started their career in 1990 as a Counselor at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce, where they served as a positive role model and ensured the safety of participants. From 1994 to 1996, they transitioned to roles at Star Telecommunications, starting as a part-time retail clerk and eventually becoming the General Manager. In this position, they were responsible for inventory management, collections, and office management.
In 1994, Jonathan also worked as a Program Director at Camp Classen, leading a team of counselors and mentoring young children throughout the summer camp experience. In 1995, they served as the Director of the summer camp program at YMCA Camp Chandler, where they trained staff and provided traditional summer camp programs primarily for under-served populations.
Jonathan joined Walt Disney World in 1996 as an intern and progressed through various positions, including Human Resources Coordinator, Special Events Manager, and eventually a member of the Event Operations Team. Jonathan managed world-class events with production budgets ranging from small to multi-million dollars.
From 2002 to 2004, they operated a 7-acre family entertainment complex, Celebration Station, as the General Manager. Jonathan provided revenue and profit management vision for the facility and reported to the VP of Operations.
Jonathan then joined AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. in 2005 as the General Manager of a bowling center. Jonathan was responsible for day-to-day management, including food and beverage operations, profit and loss, and facility upkeep. Jonathan worked closely with the District Manager to achieve key financial results and drive business through planned and open play.
Most recently, Jonathan has been working at Oklahoma State Fair Inc. since 2014. Jonathan started as the Director of State Fair Park, where they worked directly with show promoters and led a team of event managers. In 2022, they were promoted to Vice President, taking on additional responsibilities in the operation of events at the fairgrounds.
Jonathan F. completed their Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from The University of Texas at Austin, from 1993 to 1998. Prior to that, they graduated as an Advanced Honors Graduate from Rockwall High School, where they studied Advanced Honors from 1989 to 1993. In addition to their formal education, Jonathan obtained a certification as a Certified Manager of Equine Centers from The League of Agricultural & Equine Centers in January 2020.
Oklahoma State Fair Inc.
Primary responsibility is the development and operation of all aspects of the annual Oklahoma State Fair -- consistently recognized as Oklahoma's largest annual event and a top fair in North America and the year-round management of State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. State Fair Park is known as the horse show capital of the world hosting some of the largest national and international events in that industry. It is suitable for many events such as arts/crafts shows, trade shows, festivals, auto shows and the like. Oklahoma State Fair Inc. is the property manager and leassor under agreement with the City of Oklahoma City which owns the property. Oklahoma State Fair Inc. is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation that serves the people of Oklahoma. It is dedicated to continuing the organization's heritage of education, entertainment and economic development through the operation of State Fair Park and the annual Oklahoma State Fair.