Alaska State Fair seeks candidates for three open board seats

WASILLA — The Alaska State Fair is currently seeking candidates for the board of directors.

The ASF board features seven members that are responsible for setting policies. Staff members implement these policies and directions to operate the Fair each season.

According to a recent press release, the current directors include Kristy Bernier, President; Jason Ortiz, Vice President; Sheron Patrick, Secretary; Aryne Randall, Treasurer; John Harkey, Director; Jon-Marc Petersen, Director; and Cody Beus, Director.

Current 2022 annual and lifetime ASF members who joined before March 20, 2023 will vote to fill three open board seats..

The purpose of the Board of Directors is to ensure ASF operates within the law and remains cognizant of the enjoyment, education, comfort, and safety of its customers.

The election committee is seeking individuals who can envision the Fair as a gathering place for all Alaskans by encompassing the past, present and future, and individuals who can make the full commitment of time and self-discipline it takes to set policy.

ASF members serve three-year terms.

Kristy Bernier recently termed out having served three, three-year consecutive terms which left incumbents Jason Ortiz and Sheron Patrick up for re-election, according to the press release.

Directors will be elected at the ASF annual meeting which is scheduled for Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m.

Interested candidates can learn more about the directors’ roles, duties and responsibilities by reviewing the Alaska State Fair, Inc. Articles of Incorporation available at alaskastatefair.org.

Candidates must be Alaska residents, at least 18 years old, and be members of Alaska State Fair, Inc., either as a lifetime member or an annual member in the current year to be eligible.

Candidates must also not have been employed in the last 365 days by ASF, not an immediate family member of an employee at ASF or an individual sharing a domicile with an employee of the Fair within the second degree of consanguinity.

The deadline to become a current 2022 member is Monday, March 20 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com