Walla Walla County seeks new interim fairgrounds manager ahead of 2026 fair

WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners Chair Todd Kimball and Commissioner Bertha Clayton voted Tuesday to create an interim fairgrounds manager position to lead operations through the upcoming summer season and county fair. Commissioner Gunner Fulmer was absent

The decision addresses an ongoing leadership gap. Kimball revealed during the meeting that he has been acting as the uncompensated, interim fairgrounds manager for the past nine months. Kimball has served as interim fairgrounds manager since August 2025, when former manager Greg Lybeck was placed on leave before permanently leaving the county in December. Kimball noted that while he has dedicated as much time as possible to the fairgrounds, the approaching summer event schedule requires a full-time supervisor.

“The fairgrounds is getting awfully close to the fair, and the fair needs somebody there full-time,” Kimball said, explaining that his responsibilities as an elected commissioner prevented him from managing day-to-day operations effectively.

To ensure operational stability, the approved measure also extends the contract of Temporary Operations Manager Jerry Ramsey through Sept. 30.

Commissioner Bertha Clayton praised Ramsey’s willingness to remain on staff, calling her service critical to bridging the gap through the peak season.

The commissioners simultaneously approved a hiring freeze exception to immediately fund and open public recruitment for the temporary fairgrounds manager position, which has a salary range of $6,402 to $9,701 per month.

The commissioners established a condensed application window, with the job listing closing Tuesday. County leaders confirmed that the search for a permanent, full-time fairgrounds manager remains open. Formal interviews for the permanent role are expected to resume after the conclusion of the county fair.

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Elkhorn Media Group