Lawrence “Larry” Salinas has been appointed to serve on the 21st District Agricultural Association, Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors by Gov. Jerry Brown. Salinas has been the executive director of governmental relations at Fresno State since 2016.

Before coming to Fresno State, Salinas served in the Office of the President for the University of California; was part of the founding staff at University of California, Merced alongside President Joseph I. Castro and chief of staff Diana Ralls; and the assistant vice chancellor for governmental relations.

The 21st District Agricultural Association is an entity of the California Department of Food and Agriculture Division of Fairs and Expositions. The District, managed by chief executive officer John Alkire, is self-funded though business operations and generous community contributions. It has a nine-person board appointed by the governor’s office to oversee all business aspects including the District’s $12 million budget. This oversight includes, but is not limited to, The Big Fresno Fair and cultural and trade show events.

In his appointed position, Salinas will join the board in managing and overseeing the Fresno Fair, the budget, events, and goals of the District. The board meets monthly and will be on-site for the entirety of The Big Fresno Fair. Founded in 1884, The Big Fresno Fair is the fifth largest fair in California, and contributes more than $68.6 million in economic impact to Fresno County annually.

Salinas has agricultural roots and a strong sense of pride in the region. He attended his first fair almost 45 years ago after moving from Texas to Fresno as a teen. To this day, he still has his first fair pass. Following the move, he spent summers working on his uncle’s grape and raisin farm in the Kerman area which taught him the Valley values of hard work and the impact that Fresno County agriculture has on the state, nation, and the world.

As a new board member, Salinas is looking forward to giving back to the community. The position is not paid. Salinas said he will use his vacation days from work towards his new position and duties.

“I'm hopeful my strong ties to the region and my enthusiasm as a promoter of Fresno County and the Ag industry will be an asset to the board and the diverse communities we aim to serve,” Salinas said. “I am grateful to Gov. Brown for this new opportunity for public service.”