Long-time Indiana State Fair executive director to retire

INDIANAPOLIS – The longest-serving director in Indiana State Fair history is set to step down.

Cindy Hoye announced her two-decade run as executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission would end effective March 31, 2026.

The commission oversees operations at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center as well as the Indiana State Fair.

Hoye, an Indianapolis native, started in 1988 as a marketing director. She became the executive director in 2004. Her tenure included more than $250 million in improvements to the fairgrounds and its facilities. She helped transform the State Fairgrounds into a year-round destination that hosts 400 events annually.

She’s credited with expanding the annual Indiana State Fair, which is one of the most celebrated in the country.

Hoye said serving as executive director was an “absolute honor and incredible privilege.”

“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,” Hoye said in a statement. “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.”

She said the State Fairgrounds are “in capable hands, guided by a clear and strategic roadmap for continued success.”

Some of her notable accomplishments:

• Renovation of the Corteva Coliseum
• Creation of the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion
• Expansion of 4-H programming
• Helping attract track and field events like the NCAA Division II National Championships, Big Ten Championships and Hoosier State Relays

Gov. Mike Braun described Hoye’s tenure as “remarkable” and said she “elevated” the Indiana State Fair Commission.

“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,” Braun said in a statement. “I join my fellow Hoosiers in thanking Cindy for her decades of service.” 

The Indiana State Fair Commission is conducting a search for Hoye’s successor. She will help with the transition prior to her retirement in March.