Interim New York State Fair Director Sean Hennessey has been named full-time director by Gov. Kathy Hochul, her office announced Monday.

Hennessey has been interim fair director since May 2022 when director Troy Waffner left to become the new statewide coordinator for all of New York's county fairs. Hennessey was assistant fair director at that time.

“Since his appointment as Interim Director of The Great New York State Fair in 2022, Sean has proven himself to be an innovative and capable leader,” Hochul said in a statement Monday. “I am proud to officially welcome him as Director and look forward to working with him to ensure the growth and vitality of this unique New York tradition – our Great New York State Fair.”

“I am privileged to be a part of The Great New York State Fair, a true tradition and cultural institution in New York State," Hennessey said in a statement. "I am grateful and humbled by Governor Hochul’s appointment of me as Director and look forward to opening the 2023 Fair as Director alongside the Fair team.”

The 2023 fair runs from Aug. 23 to Sept. 4.