GEDDES, N.Y. — Just ahead of the start of this year’s State Fair, Gov. Kathy Hochul is removing the interim tag from the title of State Fair Director Sean Hennessey.
He had served as interim director of the Fair in 2022 after former director Troy Waffner was reassigned to a newly created position of agricultural fair development director. Waffner has since moved on and is now CEO of the CNY SPCA.
Hennessey’s move into the director position “sets the stage for further growth and innovation, while ensuring a continuation of the traditions and family fun that have become a hallmark of New York’s favorite annual event,” Hochul’s office contended in its Monday announcement.
“Since his appointment as Interim Director of The Great New York State Fair in 2022, Sean has proven himself to be an innovative and capable leader,” Hochul said in a statement. “I am proud to officially welcome him as Director and look forward to working with him to ensure the growth and vitality of this unique New York tradition — our Great New York State Fair.”
As interim director of the State Fair in 2022, Hennessey oversaw the first full fair since before the pandemic; introduced the “most diverse” musical line-up of national recording artists in terms of genres and decades represented; and started the discussion to introduce an Asian Village, which is new for the 2023 Fair, Hochul’s office said.
The 2022 Fair welcomed 888,110 visitors through the gates and featured 113 concerts across Chevy Court, Chevy Park, Pan African Village, Latino Village, and other entertainment venues.
“I am privileged to be a part of The Great New York State Fair, a true tradition and cultural institution in New York State,” Hennessey said. “I am grateful and humbled by Governor Hochul’s appointment of me as Director and look forward to opening the 2023 Fair as Director alongside the Fair team.”
Prior to joining the State Fair in 2022, Hennessey served as assistant commissioner for operations at the New York State Department of Transportation.
