Kathleen O'Leary has over 20-years under her belt with the Wisconsin State Fair, having served as COO, Marketing Director, Sponsorship Director and more. Now, heading up the organization as Executive Director and CEO, O'Leary oversees a staff of 50 full-time/permanent and 1700 part-time and seasonal employees to pull off one of WI's largest summer events plus year-round programming.
 
Join us as we lunch with this marketing, fundraising, and leadership pro. She'll talk about running a successful organization, what it takes to raise millions in sponsorship dollars, and how she's steered an established brand into fresh, new terrain.

What to expect:

• Behind the scenes insights about running a state-wide organization
• Details about State Fair's evolution since it's founding in 1851 and what’s in store for the future
• An opportunity to hear Kathleen's personal story of leadership and unique grasp of running State Fair
• Lively Q&A session that just won’t be the same without you!

ABOUT THE SPEAKER 

Prior to serving as COO, O’Leary was manager, followed by director, of Marketing, Communications, and Sponsorship, where she was responsible for growing sponsorship revenues at the Fair from less than $400,000 in 1998 to more than $2.5 million in recent years.

O’Leary was recently named one of the Business Journal’s Women of Influence in 2017. She has served on several committees and boards throughout her tenure at State Fair Park, include the Governor’s Council on Tourism Marketing Committee, as well as the Visit Milwaukee Board of Directors.

O’Leary has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing & Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and holds a Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designation from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the IAFE representing Zone 4, which includes four states and three Canadian provinces.

As Executive Director/CEO, O’Leary oversees a staff of nearly 50 full-time permanent employees, along with approximately 1700 part-time and seasonal employees during the annual Wisconsin State Fair. 

REGISTRATION FEES 

Parking is free at Gates 4 & 5 - thanks State Fair for the generosity!