Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days names two finalists for fair manager
By Dan Thesman on Monday, March 23rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — The search for a new leader of the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days has narrowed to two finalists with deep roots in the fair and rodeo industries, county officials announced.
Rachael Lough and Kent Sturman are vying for the position of fairgrounds manager, a role tasked with overseeing one of the region’s most prominent annual cultural and agricultural events.
Lough, a certified fair executive (CFE), currently serves as the concessions and vendor relations manager for the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds in Columbus, Ohio. Her background includes extensive experience in vendor management and large-scale event logistics at one of the nation’s largest state fairs.
Sturman brings a resume centered on professional rodeo and Western heritage. He recently concluded a 12 1/2-year tenure as the director of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Before that role, Sturman served as the executive director of the National High School Rodeo Association, where he managed what is recognized as the largest rodeo in the world.
The vacancy follows a transition for the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners. Last December, commissioners unanimously approved a separation and release agreement with former manager Greg Lybeck. Lybeck’s departure followed a period of paid administrative leave that began just prior to the 2025 Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days. The leave was prompted by alleged misconduct during the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo Grand Parade on Aug. 16, 2025.
While the board has not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the alleged misconduct or why Lybeck was attending the Kennewick event, the separation agreement effectively ended his tenure with the county. Since Lybeck was placed on leave, Commissioner Todd Kimball has filled the role of interim fairgrounds manager.
The Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days’ Board of Directors will convene for a special meeting tonight (Monday) at 6 p.m. for a meet and greet with the candidates. The meeting will be held in the 1866 VIP Clubhouse at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 363 Orchard St. in Walla Walla.
