After a national search, Springfield-based International Association of Fairs & Expositions chose to promote from within for its new president and CEO.
Effective Jan. 1, Marla Calico will take over for the retiring Jim Tucker, who held the role for 15 years, according to a news release.
Calico began working for the IAFE in 2006 as director of education and was promoted to chief operating officer last year. Prior to joining IAFE, Calico worked as general manager of Springfield’s Ozark Empire Fair. She served a term as chairwoman of the organization in 2003.
“We did a very serious national search, conducted several interviews and are confident Marla is the correct person to take the reins of IAFE at this important time in history,” said IAFE Chairman John Sykes, president and CEO of the East Texas State Fair in Tyler, in the release. “There is no doubt she has the knowledge, professionalism and enthusiasm to move the IAFE to an even higher level.”
Oak Brook, Ill., executive search firm Witt/Kieffer was selected this summer to find Tucker’s successor. The IAFE’s executive committee ultimately made the selection.
Calico is tasked with leading a nonprofit that represents
over 1,100 fairs around the world via advocacy and promotion efforts. The organization was formed in 1885.
“We have a dedicated and seasoned staff who are excited to expand the use of technology to deliver education, facilitate the exchange of ideas and enhance communication with our fantastic members around the globe,” Calico said in the release, noting her top priorities would be to increase fundraising for educational programming, hold sessions with members to learn about important issues and advocate and promote agricultural fairs to governments, corporate partners and the media.
