The CEO of the Los Angeles County Fair Association has stepped down from his post, officials said Wednesday, a move that follows reports of lucrative salaries and benefits despite financial challenges at the organization.
Jim Henwood had been planning to step down at the end of the year when his contract expires, but fair officials said he opted to step down early “to allow for an interim leader to assume the position.”
“I am very proud of my 20-year tenure at LACFA and have seen this organization through great growth and innovation,” Henwood said. “However, lately I have become a distraction from the great work that LACFA does. I love this organization too much to let that happen. Accelerating a change in leadership will allow LACFA to refocus on its important role in the community.”
The Los Angeles Times reported last year that Henwood earned more than $1 million in compensation in 2014. The association reported losses of $3.44 million that year, according to federal tax returns cited by The Times.
The county Board of Supervisors has ordered an audit of the association, which leases the Fairplex in Pomona from the county.
Henwood will be replaced on an interim basis by Michael Ortiz, chairman of the association’s board and former president of Cal Poly Pomona.
“I am honored to step into the role of interim CEO during this time of transition,” Ortiz said. “Jim Henwood was hired 20 years ago to continue the great tradition of the LA County Fair, promote LACFA’s agricultural and education programs as well as to develop LACFA into an economic engine for the region and a dynamic asset to the community. With board support, I want to help the organization maximize our current programs and resources.”
— Wire reports