Virgil L. Strickler

Virgil Strickler has a lifetime of experience in the agricultural industry and serves as the longest-running General Manager in the history of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair. Raised on a farm in Fairfield County, Ohio, Virgil began his career as an agricultural lender. In 1993, he was named Livestock and Agriculture Director of the Ohio State Fair, and Strickler also has served as the General Manager since 2004.

He has been passionate about supporting and educating Ohio’s youth about agriculture, as demonstrated through the Ag is Cool program and the Youth Reserve Programs. Strickler has created one of the top fairs in the nation, allowing the general public to better connect with the number-one industry in Ohio.