Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center has hired a new director to replace Dan Despotopulos, who is retiring after serving as the fairgrounds director for more than 19 years.

Geoff Hinds, who has served as the chief executive officer of the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds and Adelanto Stadium in Victorville, California for the past six years, will become the Deschutes County fairgrounds director in early June.

In his current role in California, Hinds oversees multiple event facilities, directs the San Bernardino County Fair and manages a minor league baseball stadium.

Hinds also served as the chief executive officer of the Tulare County Fair and as the fair and festivals manager of the San Mateo County Event Center.

Hinds earned a bachelor’s degree from Whittier College in California.

As Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center director, Hinds will lead the day-to-day operations and marketing of the 320-acre fairgrounds, which hosts more than 400 events each year.

The fairgrounds includes 200,000 square feet of event space, 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas, 400 horse stalls and a 105-space RV park complex.