by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
For 12 days a year, Martha Leverock does not have a nine-to-five job. Instead, the new president and CEO of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair and Expo Center at the Fairgrounds seldom goes home before logging 14 hours a day or more.
“Running a fair takes a lot out of you, but I love it. I love this industry,” said Leverock, formerly operations manager at the fair. “Looking forward to those 12 days when the fair is happening is like looking forward to Christmas. I think it’s so much fun and that’s why I’m still here.”
Leverock, who has been with the fair since 1978, said her job involves booking entertainment, reserving livestock and finding bigger and better rides each year.
“People don’t realize it, but it takes the better part of a year to plan a fair,” she said. “You never stop thinking ahead. And now that I’m president, I’m sure I’ll have my hands full more than ever.”
Following a national search earlier this year, Leverock replaced Gary Roegner, who retired.
“After receiving the credentials of dozens of qualified candidates from across the country, we concluded that Martha’s long experience and superb qualifications made her the best choice to lead the Jacksonville Fair Association, said Guy Bond, chair of the fair board. “We’re delighted that she will remain part of our community and proud to have such an accomplished professional as our president.”
A “Navy brat” born in Pensacola, Leverock traveled the world before eventually settling in Jacksonville more than 30 years ago. She graduated from Paxon High School and attended Florida Southern College.
Leverock later married and had two sons, Michael, now an FBI agent, and Robert, marketing director for the Gator Bowl Association.
“Back then I was still a housewife and I had some friends who worked for the Fair Association. They mentioned that they needed a little part-time help to help set up that year,” said Leverock. “I thought it sounded like fun and that it would be a good way to make a little Christmas money.”
Before long, Leverock went from being a temporary employee to working part-time year-round.
“Before I knew it I was working full-time and just started working my way up,” she said. “But I never dreamed I would be president one day. I’m amazed when I think about how long I’ve been here and how far I’ve come.”
Leverock said she is equally amazing by the way the fair has grown over the years. On her first day, there weren’t even fairgrounds to speak of.
“Over the years we’ve been able to purchase several parcels of land, which has allowed us to greatly expand,” she said. “But originally, the fair was held at the Gator Bowl under the stands. We would have entertainment on the main stage at night and that was about all there was to it. Things have definitely changed. We literally built these fairgrounds from scratch.”
Today, the fairgrounds sprawl across several acres in the heart of the City’s Sports Complex. And though the landscape may look significantly different, Leverock said she plans to do more than just admire the view.
In the off season alone, she dedicates her time to attracting more and better events to the fairgrounds. Luckily, she doesn’t work alone.
“One great thing about this industry is that it’s very open and friendly,” she said. “We’re not in direct competition with other fairs so we all work together to improve and grow together. We’re like one big, oversized family.”
So with all the planning and having fun, when does Leverock take a break?
“That’s a good one,” she said. “Never in the fall, that’s for sure.”