The Fort Bend County Fair Association has named Joel Rose as its new fair manager, the organization announced in a July 26 press release. He will assume his duties in August.

The journey to becoming the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo’s new Fair Manager has taken Rose from his father’s dairy farm in upstate New York to the halls of military leadership, aboard Air Force One and Air Force Two, and ultimately back to the agricultural roots where his story first began.

For Rose, accepting the position isn't simply a career move — it's coming full circle.

"I was raised on a dairy farm, and that's where my life started," Rose said. "I don't remember much because my family later sold the farm and opened a small business, but it's interesting that I started my life in agriculture and now I'm returning to it. Everything happens for a reason, and this truly feels like coming full circle."

That path would lead him far beyond the farm.

Rose served 20 years in the United States Air Force, including 15 years with the prestigious First Airlift Squadron based at Andrews Air Force Base. During that time, he flew aboard Air Force One and Air Force Two while supporting presidential travel and was selected to oversee the First Lady flight program for a decade. His responsibilities included coordinating travel for First Ladies Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, while also serving presidents, vice presidents, cabinet members, and other high-ranking government officials. While the names were historic, Rose says the greatest lesson wasn't politics — it was the people.

Following his military retirement, Rose held executive leadership positions with Marriott International, American Cruise Lines, and other hospitality organizations before becoming Chief Executive Officer of the Osceola County Fair in Kissimmee, Florida. There, he oversaw every aspect of county fair operations, including budgeting, strategic planning, sponsorship development, livestock events, marketing, operations, community partnerships, and board relations.

Fort Bend County Fair Acting President Brian Graeber said Rose's experience and leadership style made him the clear choice to lead one of Texas' premier county fairs.

"Joel brings a tremendous amount of executive leadership experience, but what impressed us most is his heart for community," Graeber said. "He understands that a county fair is about much more than events. It's about serving families, supporting agriculture, investing in youth, and bringing people together. Those values fit perfectly with the mission of the Fort Bend County Fair."

Rose says county fairs have become much more than events to him.

"They're family reunions," he said. "Whether it's grandparents bringing grandchildren, parents making memories with their kids, or neighbors seeing each other for the first time in a year, the county fair is

where communities come together. That's what makes county fairs special. It's not just about the rides or the food. It's about creating memories that last for generations."

Rose joins the Fair Association as it prepares to celebrate its historic 90th anniversary in 2026.