Cindy Hoye on Leadership, Legacy and a Hoosier Tradition

For nearly four decades, Cindy Hoye has been a driving force behind one of Indiana’s most beloved institutions: the Indiana State Fair and the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Hoye joined the Fairgrounds staff in 1988 as marketing director and became executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission in 2002. During her tenure, she led unprecedented growth and transformation, including more than $250 million in new buildings and improvements. In this conversation, she reflects on the milestones, challenges and deeply personal connections that have shaped her career. A thoughtful look back at a remarkable career—and the legacy of a leader who helped transform one of Indiana’s most treasured traditions.