Colorado State Fair preparing for 'amicable' departure of current manager Scott Stoller

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has confirmed that General Manager Scott Stoller leave his position following this year's Colorado State Fair.

Olga Robak, CDA director of communications and public awareness, told the Chieftain that Stoller's decision to depart from the fair has been an "amicable transition" and that Stoller will be assisting in the search for his replacement. Stoller began his career with the Colorado State Fair in July 2018, replacing Sarah Cummings .

"We are really grateful for (Stoller's) leadership of the fair the past several years … we definitely wish him the best in all of his future endeavors and we're just really grateful that he is going to be here through the fair and help us transition to the new general manager," Robak told the Chieftain .

More information about the search for the next general manager is slated to come out within the next few days, Robak said. While Stoller has not shared his reasons for leaving his post, he spoke fondly of the Colorado State Fair in a statement emailed to the Chieftain .

"Over the past six years I've had the privilege to be a part of this incredible organization, I've had the opportunity to work alongside some truly exceptional people," the statement reads. "Together, we've achieved numerous milestones, tackled many large challenges, and forged a clear vision for the future."

Prior to joining the Colorado State Fair, Stoller served almost nine years as chief executive officer of Chico, California's Silver Dollar Fair. He also served three years as manager of Corvalis, Oregon's Benton County Fair and Rodeo.

A scaled-down 2020 fair was organized under Stoller's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The following year's fair, held in August and September 2021, attracted a total of 457,765 attendees and gave Pueblo's economy a $55.5 million boost .

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Stoller also served as general manager during the Colorado State Fair Board of Authority's adoption of a 30-year master plan and the 150th anniversary of the fair. The Colorado State Fair attracted 509,156 attendees in 2023 — the highest since 2011.

"While it's bittersweet to say goodbye, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the State Fair," Stoller said in his statement shared with the Chieftain . "I am confident that the State Fair will continue to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve."

The 2024 Colorado State Fair will be hosted from Aug. 24 to Sept. 2.

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to the Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com.

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Colorado State Fair preparing for 'amicable' departure of current manager Scott Stoller