LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As the Kentucky State Fair continues through Sunday, a familiar face to the state’s agricultural sector will soon take on a new role: Overseeing some of the biggest events at the Kentucky Exposition Center, including the fair.

Steve Kelly, who serves as Kentucky’s Deputy Agriculture Commissioner, has been named executive director of expositions for the Kentucky State Fair Board (KSFB). In addition to the fair, he will be in charge of the National Farm Machinery Show and responsible for operations of the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE).

Kelly brings to his new position a longtime ag background that includes serving as president and vice president of the Owen County Cattlemen’s Assoc., Owen County Agricultural Development Board, the local Kentucky Farm Bureau board, the Owen County Fair Board, 4-H livestock advisor and the Owen County Cooperative Extension Board.

He and his family also own S&K Farms in New Liberty, a registered Charolais cattle operation. In addition to time spent at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kelly served 19 years in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet where he spent much of his time in a budgeting capacity.

He is excited about this new opportunity and is looking forward to getting started Sept. 16, when his duties officially begin.

“The National Farm Machinery Show is the biggest in the world; the NAILE is the biggest in the world, and the fair is as competitive as any other state fair around. I’m really excited to be coming to this position,” he said. ”I’m looking forward to it and obviously I love agriculture, or I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing.”

Kelly is familiar with the programs he will be in charge of not only from his time in government but from many years as an exhibitor. He knows how valuable all of the events are not only to those participating, but to the region from an economic standpoint.

He comes to the position just as recent reports of a shake-up within the NAILE executive committee and the KSFB itself have fueled rumors that NAILE is in danger of leaving town or shutting down.

“That’s not correct. The NAILE is a show owned by the KSFB and it is going to go on no matter who is sitting in what seat,” he said. “We hope it continues to grow like it has the last 40 years, but things change and people change – but the show will go on.”

He added when one looks at the economic impact it has to Louisville and the area, even if the show doesn’t break even at times, the state still benefits from it – by some accounts, to the tune of $16 million.

Kelly commends the staff at the KSFB and those who have been there in the past who, in his words, made the programs as strong as they are. “There have been many people, including the many volunteers and committee members, who for the last 40 years have built this show and others to what they are, and to me they get the credit and I think they have set the mark high. I have nothing but respect for them,” he said.

“Hopefully with their assistance, and it will be very welcomed, they can help guide us through this transition to keep it what it is, the biggest and best in the world.”

For those interested in the rest of this year’s Kentucky State Fair, there is the remainder of the World’s Championship Horse Show, featuring Saddlebreds from across the country vying for the coveted World Champion title. There is also the Boyz II Men/Kool and the Gang concert, which will wrap up the fair on Aug. 30, several outdoor concerts, including Charlie Daniels and Joan Jett, and of course plenty of good fair food.

For more information, go to www.kystatefair.org