CEO Pat Conklin leaving Sonoma-Marin Fair

Sonoma-Marin Fair Chief Executive Officer Pat Conklin is stepping down to work full time for the Dixon May Fair in her hometown of Dixon.

For the past year, Conklin has been running both fairs, and she said the move will allow her to be closer to family.

"It's time for me to move home," she said. "It's my hometown fair and all my family is there."

Conklin took over the Petaluma-based state agricultural district fair in January 2008. She replaced Tawny Tesconi, who left to take the fair manager position at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa.

Her experience includes the top job at the Butte County Fair and the Solano County Fair. She made $89,800 at the Sonoma-Marin Fair, and will make a similar salary in Dixon.

Conklin said that highlights from her six years in Petaluma include the Golden Gate Bridge special exhibit at last year's fair and working with a team of motivated volunteers.

"The volunteer corps at the Sonoma-Marin Fair is like no other," she said. "I made a lot of friends here."

Fair board member Brian Sobel said that Conklin has been an excellent leader.

"She's got a tremendous amount of energy," he said. "We're going to miss her."

Conklin will stay on until the board finds her replacement. The fair is accepting applications through Nov. 15. The salary range is $75,500 to $89,800.