Rick K. Pickering is Chief Executive Officer – California Exposition & State Fair – since December 2012.  A self-sufficient State Agency, with year-round responsibility for the 900 acre State Fairgrounds, all events & tenants at Cal Expo, the Race Track, campgrounds, American River Parkway, - (the State Fair receives no funding from the State, County or City.)

Previously – served 14 years as the CEO of the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, CA - leading it to be named the “Fastest Growing Fair in America” with a 44% increase in attendance over the past four years, & the most award winning Fair facility in the Western United States.  He also served 5 years as the Deputy General Manager of the Orange County Fairgrounds, Costa Mesa, CA.  Prior to entering the Fair industry, he spent 12 years in City Management in Los Angeles & Orange Counties.

He’s been selected by Amusement Business Magazine as “One of the Most Creative Fair Managers in the Nation” & has been placed in the Fair industry’s “Hall of Fame.”

Rick is a sought after speaker & executive trainer for conventions & conferences.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, & a Bachelor’s Degree from Biola University, La Mirada, CA.

Serves on key Boards of Directors in the West Coast Fair & Festival industry:

  Past President - Western Fairs Association – 2,000 member trade association

  Past President - California Fair Services Authority – a Joint Powers Authority which provides Workmen’s Compensation insurance for more than $85 Million in annual payroll along with General Liability & Property insurance for California’s network of Fairs. 

  Past president - California Authority of Racing Fairs – a Joint Powers Authority which coordinates horseracing contracts & services for California Fairs, & accounts for more than $1 Billion in annual wagers.

  California Fairs Alliance (Past Chairman) representing California’s 84 Fairs

  California Construction Authority (past Board member)

Has served on numerous community & civic advisory panels, & various task forces.

Personal Notes:

Received the National Distinguished Eagle Scout Award – held by 1 in 2,000 Eagle Scouts

Chairman & Past President of the San Francisco Bay Area Boy Scout Council where he helps raise more than $4 Million annually in support of the Bay Area’s 40,000 Scouts & lead older Scouts on backpacking trips every 6 weeks

Youth Soccer Coach & Referee

Ordained Elder & Deacon

Married for 28 years to his wife Dawn, who is a High School teacher

Their 3 sons are all Eagle Scouts