Posted on Jul 29, 2026 in
NEWSWORTHY
Joel Rose, Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo’s new Fair Manager.
The journey to becoming the Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo’s new Fair Manager has taken Joel 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.
The Fort Bend County Fair Association welcomes Rose as its new Fair Manager, bringing with him a rare combination of county fair leadership, military service, hospitality management, and a true passion for serving families and communities.
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.”
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.
“The military teaches you to bring people together from every background imaginable,” Rose said. “You learn that great organizations are built by great teams. You have different personalities, different viewpoints and different experiences, but everyone has to work together toward the same goal. That’s the leadership philosophy I’ve carried throughout my career.”
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.”
That focus on family extends well beyond the fairgrounds.
Rose describes himself first and foremost as “a family man.” He and his wife, Joanna, are raising three children at home while remaining proud parents of his three adult sons. When asked to describe himself in three words, his answer was simple: family, integrity, and direct. “I want people to know who I am,” Rose said. “I’m transparent. I’m a listener. I’m direct, and I care deeply about people. If we’re going to accomplish something, we’re going to do it together.”
Rose joins the Fair Association as it prepares to celebrate its historic 90th anniversary in 2026.
Rather than changing an organization with nearly nine decades of success, Rose says his goal is to build upon that legacy. “My goal is to support the vision of the Board of Directors and continue growing the success that’s already here,” he said. “I’m not coming to change who the Fort Bend County Fair is. I’m coming to listen, learn, bring fresh ideas and help make an already great organization even better.”
For Rose, joining the Fort Bend County Fair Association represents more than accepting a new leadership role. It represents returning to the values that shaped his earliest years — agriculture, family and community.
And after a career that has taken him around the world and aboard some of the nation’s most recognizable aircraft, his next destination may prove to be the most meaningful yet.
Rose will assume duties in August. Join us as we welcome Joel and his family to Texas and the Fort Bend County Fair.
