Ken Karns

Ken Karns, CFE, has a diverse work experience spanning over three decades. KEN started their career in 1984 as the owner and carpenter at Karns Carpentry. From 1994 to 2016, Ken held various roles at the Western Fair Association, including Director of Facility Development, Director of Operations, Operations Manager, Projects & Facilities Manager, Events & Facilities Manager, Projects & Facility Maintenance Supervisor, and Projects Supervisor. During their time at the Western Fair Association, they were responsible for the development and execution of the association's Master Site Plan, capital budgets, and projects. In 2016, Ken joined the Orange County Fair and Event Centre as Vice President of Operations, where they participated in creating the vision and strategy for the organization and provided oversight for special projects and strategic plans. In 2020, Ken became the Chief Operating Officer at the OC Fair & Event Center, where they continued to contribute to the organization's vision, goals, and operations.

Ken Karns, CFE, holds a Diploma in Business Administration and Management, General which they obtained from Fanshawe College from 1990 to 1992. Prior to attending college, they completed their secondary education at Saunders Secondary School from 1980 to 1984, where they majored in Building Construction. In addition to their formal education, Ken Karns has also pursued further certifications. KEN graduated from the Institute of Fair Management, a program offered by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, in December 2015. KEN is also a Certified Fair Executive, an esteemed certification granted by the International Association of Fairs & Expositions, although the month and year of obtaining this certification are not specified.