New director to lead The Ranch

The new Director of the Larimer County Fairgrounds and Event Complex at the Ranch, Conor McGrath, began work on October 14 amidst a period of improvements at the multi-purpose facility.

McGrath has over 15 years of experience in the public and private sectors, including work in multi-event centers in Ireland. He most recently served as Senior Director and Chief Operating Officer of the True Friends Conference & Event Centers in Minnesota, heading multi-use conference, retreat, and event organizations serving civic, business, and local government organizations. 

McGrath introduced himself at last Tuesday's Board of Larimer County Commissioners’ regular weekly administrative matters meeting. Larimer County Commissioner Jody Shadduck-McNally said, “I want to welcome you, and this next year is our 75th anniversary of the rodeo and so I’m looking forward to working with you to celebrate the long history of the rodeo.”

McGrath was hired after an extensive selection process and will oversee the operation of the Larimer County Fairgrounds and Event Complex, a multi-use facility that hosts The Larimer County Fair and Rodeo, multiple sporting events, entertainment, and other public event functions. https://www.treventscomplex.com/

“Welcome to the Ranch, we appreciate that you have come on to serve us, and as the liaison to both the Extension Board and Fair Board we’ll be working a lot together, and I look forward to working with you,” said Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens. 

McGrath begins his position while several projects are currently underway at the Ranch, part of the Ranch Master Plan to improve and upgrade the facility with community-desired features. Phases 1 and 2 include adding roadway improvements complex-wide to improve safety and traffic flows with new entrance and exit points, a new 4-H Youth & Community Livestock Arena, expansion of the MAC Equipment, Inc. indoor arena, increased trailer parking, improved maintenance and storage facilities, plus improved concession spaces, restrooms, lobby areas, and other improvements.

“Welcome to the team,” said Larimer County Commissioner John Kefalas. “I look forward to working with you to make The Ranch an even better place for folks to gather for things like the fair and rodeo and lots of other events and help to preserve our ag heritage, farming, and ranching. A lot of good things happen out there.”

“There’s a lot of dirt moving and a lot of activity and I’m very excited to be in the Ranch leadership role. I couldn’t be more honored to be in this position,” said McGrath.