Carnival & Fair Buzz

The National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA) has announced the selection of Courtny Hinds, CAE, CCE, CFE, as its next Executive Director. Hinds, currently Executive Director and General Manager of the Wyoming State Fair & Event Complex, will begin her new role September 14, 2026, and will work alongside current Executive Director Rey O’Day during a transition period through February 14, 2027.

The following is NICA’s official announcement:

On behalf of the NICA Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce that Courtny Hinds, CAE, CCE, CFE, has been selected as NICA’s next Executive Director!

Courtny will officially begin her role on September 14, 2026, working side by side with current Executive Director Rey O’Day through February 14, 2027. This transition period will provide continuity while allowing for a thoughtful transfer of knowledge, relationships, and strategic priorities.

Currently serving as Executive Director and General Manager of the Wyoming State Fair & Event Complex, Courtny brings extensive experience in Association Leadership, Fair Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Stewardship, and Member Engagement. As a Second Generation Concessionaire, she also understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing NICA Members.

Courtny is uniquely positioned to lead NICA into its next chapter as the only professional in the Industry to hold all three premier designations: Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Concessionaire Executive (CCE), and Certified Fair Executive (CFE)—representing leadership across Associations, Concessions, and the Fair Industry.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as NICA’s next Executive Director,” Courtny shared. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our Members, Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Partners as we continue to strengthen the Association, advocate for our Industry, and invest in the Next Generation of Leaders.”

Courtny succeeds Rey O’Day, who has served as Executive Director since 2019 following nearly two decades of leadership and service to NICA. Under Rey’s leadership, the Association has experienced tremendous growth, including the creation of the NICA Foundation and NICA Marketplace, expansion of Regional Councils, implementation of Strategic Planning Goals, and development of numerous new Member Benefit Programs and National Purchasing Contracts.

“Now it is my privilege to pass that torch to Courtny,” Rey shared. “I have every confidence in her Leadership, her passion for our Industry, and her commitment to our Members.”

Please join us in welcoming Courtny to this new role and thanking Rey for her extraordinary Leadership and continued service to NICA! We look forward to sharing more throughout the transition as NICA prepares for this exciting next chapter.