Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission Cindy Hoye announces retirement

It’s the end of an era as Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, announces her retirement following nearly four decades of service.

Hoye will step down following the longest tenure of any Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission, leaving behind a legacy of vision, pride, and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission. Announced today, she will officially retire effective March 31^st, 2026.

The Indiana State Fair Commission is the governing body overseeing the year round operation of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and the annual Indiana State Fair.

Cindy started her career at the Indiana State Fairgrounds as Marketing Director in 1988 and became the Executive Director in 2004. Her steady leadership has guided the Fairgrounds through tremendous success and transformation, including more than $250 million dollars in improvements to the campus and facilities. Under her stewardship, the annual Indiana State Fair has expanded its footprint and impact, reinforced its role in showcasing agriculture and youth, and today is recognized as one of the nation’s most respected and celebrated state fairs. In addition, Cindy has been the driving force behind the transformation of the State Fairgrounds into a 250-acre dynamic, year-round destination that serves millions of Hoosiers, hosting 400 events annually. Through oversight of facility updates, property development and attracting new business, today the fairgrounds are a thriving entity with an economic impact of $330 million dollars annually.

“It has been an absolute honor and incredible privilege to serve as the Executive Director of the historic and meaningful institution that is the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center,” Hoye said. “With the State Fair’s roots deeply planted in its mission, this place will always hold a special significance for me and most importantly for Hoosiers across the state. I am immensely proud to have worked alongside one of the greatest team of people you’ll ever encounter. Their sense of pride, purpose, and relentless pursuit of excellence is truly remarkable. As I transition from this role, I leave with full confidence that the future is bright. The Fairgrounds are in capable hands, guided by a clear and strategic roadmap for continued success.”

Under Cindy’s direction, the Fairgrounds underwent major revitalization and modernization, including the $63 million renovation of the historic Corteva Coliseum, as well as the creation of the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion, a state-of-the-art livestock and multipurpose facility. She has championed projects including The Glass Barn, expansion of 4-H programming, Little Hands on the Farm, and most recently, leading the State Fairgrounds’ expansion into the Indoor Track & Field business, catapulting it into the National spotlight by hosting the NCAA D2 National Championships, Big Ten Championships, Hoosier State Relays and many more.

Beyond the buildings and the events, Cindy’s greatest legacy lies in her commitment to people. She built a culture rooted in collaboration, empowering staff and partners to carry forward the Fairgrounds’ mission and purpose. As she steps into retirement in the coming months, she leaves behind an organization that is stronger, more vibrant, and better prepared for the future, a true reflection of her decades of dedication.

“Cindy Hoye’s remarkable tenure has elevated the Indiana State Fair Commission to unprecedented growth.” said Governor Mike Braun. “Her unwavering commitment to the State of Indiana, to her staff, and to leaving the Fair and Fairgrounds better than she found it, has set a standard of excellence that will continue to guide us for years to come. I join my fellow Hoosiers in thanking Cindy for her decades of service.”

The Indiana State Fair Commission is conducting a search and accepting applications for Hoye’s successor, and she will help with the transition prior to her departure. For more information, please click here.

Hoye is a leader in the fair industry, serving as Chair on the board of directors of the International Association of Fairs & Exhibitions (IAFE) in 2010. She has been recognized as a Certified Fair Executive through IAFE, has received numerous awards and has been invited twice to speak at the international conference of the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth (RASC).

An Indianapolis native, Hoye grew up just ten minutes from the Fairgrounds and spent many summers participating at the Indiana State Fair as a 4-H member. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1980; worked as an intern at the State Fair of Texas; as a 4-H Extension agent in Wisconsin; the promotions director for the American Dairy Association of Wisconsin; and the special events director for the Wisconsin State Fair. Cindy returned to her hometown State Fair in 1988. Cindy sits on the boards of many civic organizations and is active in the Indianapolis arts community. She has been recognized with 20+ awards, including the Governor’s Distinguished Service Medal, Sagamore of the Wabash, Lt. Governor Women in Agriculture Award, and has been inducted in the International Association of Fairs & Expositions Hall of Fame. She and her husband, Bob, have two children and five grandchildren.