Retired park board director named interim fair manager

The center’s previous general manager Pat Lloyd in September announced his intent to retire next August, but other opportunities came up, and he resigned earlier than expected, according to a news release. His last day was Tuesday.

Kinney began as interim manager today, according to event center board President Larry Ellison. Kinney retired from the park board in early 2006 after 35 years, including 30 years as director.

“There is not another job out there I would have come out of retirement to accept,” Kinney said in the release. “I’m excited about this opportunity and look forward to getting back to work.”

Ellison said the board is conducting a national search for a permanent director, with plans to start interviews later this month. The board expects to hire someone by spring, Ellison said.

The center is home to the Ozark Empire Fair. Lloyd came to the center in 2004, and fair attendance set a record in his first year. The 2007 fair saw an increase of 10,000 visitors compared to 2006.

The center changed its name from Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in 2006.