Phillips named CEO of 45th District Agricultural Association and IV Expo
Imperial Valley native Alan Phillips has been named chief executive officer of the 45th District Agricultural Association and Imperial Valley Expo.
Phillips will step down from his current position as coordinator Phillips of education technology for the Imperial County Office of Education and his position as director and president of the California Mid-Winter Fair Heritage Foundation when he steps into his new role this October.
Born in Calexico, Phillips grew up in Holtville and graduated from Holtville High School, where he would go on to study at Imperial Valley College and become a graduate of San Diego State University-Imperial Valley campus.
In addition to being a member of a variety of local bands, Phillips will continue actively participating in the local community by beginning his 30th season as a football official this year.
During his 19 years working with ICOE, Phillips trained teachers and administrators on how to use technology to be more effective in their jobs. Before his time with ICOE, Phillips spent 12 years in the Holtville Unified School District.
“Mr. Phillips has been instrumental in the success of several local and statewide initiatives in education,” said County Superintendent of Schools Todd Finnell.
“He is respected throughout the state for his work with schools, and has had a significant impact on our local schools over the years. I look forward to his leadership as he strengthens the role of the fair in our community.”
Phillips has a long history of being involved with the fair, both as a parent and performer.
Over a 15-year span, he has appeared in numerous fair performances as a local musician while his children have participated in the junior livestock program for the past four years. “We are extremely excited and thrilled to bring a local resident on board as CEO,” said Joe Montenegro, fair board president.
“Alan has been actively involved in our fair for a number of years and brings a unique perspective to the job. He applied his technology background to help us implement processes that greatly improved the efficiency and accounting of fair concession sales. As CEO, this expertise will be critical as we move into the future.”
“Our fair is one of the most important assets we have in this county,” Phillips said.
“Its primary purpose is to provide year-round access to activities that showcase the talents, products and cultural wealth of our communities. That is really a form of community education and I am looking forward to working with the great board, staff and volunteers who make that happen.” Phillips is set to replace Theresa Garcia, who announced in June she would be stepping down after eight years to spend more time with her family in Northern California.
Garcia’s final day as CEO will be Sept. 30.
“As much as we hate losing Theresa, we are positive that Alan will step in and continue the great things she has accomplished while here,” Montenegro said.