Cindy Hoye retires from State Fair position

INDIANAPOLIS — After 40 years of transformative leadership, Cindy Hoye is retiring from her role as executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, effective March 31.

Hoye has had the longest tenure of anyone in the position, leaving behind a legacy of Hoosier pride and commitment to making the state fair the best it can be.

“I am immensely proud to have worked alongside one of the greatest teams of people you’ll ever encounter,” she said.

“Their sense of pride, purpose and relentless pursuit of excellence is truly remarkable. As I transition from this role, I leave with full confidence that the future is bright. The fairgrounds are in capable hands, guided by a clear and strategic roadmap for continued success.”

Under her leadership, the state fairgrounds has experienced:

• More than $250 million in improvements to the campus and facilities.

• The expansion of the fairgrounds into a year-round, 250-acre destination.

• More than 400 events held annually.

• An economic impact of $330 million dollars annually.

• A $63 million renovation of the historic Corteva Coliseum.

• The creation of the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion.

• The creation of the Glass Barn.

• Expansion of 4-H programming.

• The development of Little Hands on the Farm.

• Expansion into the indoor track and field business.

“Cindy Hoye’s remarkable tenure has elevated the Indiana State Fair Commission to unprecedented growth,” said Gov. Mike Braun.

“Her unwavering commitment to the state of Indiana, to her staff and to leaving the fair and fairgrounds better than she found it has set a standard of excellence that will continue to guide us for years to come. I join my fellow Hoosiers in thanking Cindy for her decades of service.”

The Indiana State Fair Commission is conducting a search and accepting applications for Hoye’s successor. She will help with the transition prior to her departure.