San Diego Businessman Nejabat Appointed to Fair Board

The state-appointed board of the Del Mar Fairgrounds has fired the organization’s chief executive officer and appointed Board Chair Sam Nejabat to serve as the interim CEO.

Carlene Moore, who had been with the fairgrounds for six years, was removed from her position by the board. Following the termination, an official stated that the board plans to re-evaluate the interim position in 10 days.

Leadership Transition and Board Background

Sam Nejabat is a San Diego businessman and the current president of SJN Properties. He has served on the fair board, officially known as the 22nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors, since his initial appointment in 2019.

Nejabat was elected as the board’s president on September 13, 2025, with the appointment becoming effective on October 1, 2025. His election followed a 5-4 vote by the nine board members, who chose Nejabat over Michael Gelfand, who had previously served as the board’s first vice president.

If I’m fortunate enough to be elected, I look forward to working with the community and the board to further the advocacy and representation for all the stakeholders.

Sam Nejabat

During the same leadership reorganization in September 2025, the board elected Lisa Barkett as vice president over Phil Blair. The board also decided to eliminate the position of second vice president.

Professional and Government Experience

Nejabat has a background in state government and external affairs. From 2020 to 2023, he served as the assistant deputy director of external affairs for the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Following that role, from 2023 to 2024, Nejabat served as a senior advisor to the attorney general of California within the state’s Department of Justice.

In addition to his role at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Nejabat holds several other public appointments, including:

• Member of the San Diego Convention Center Board of Directors.
• Member of the California State University Board of Trustees, following an appointment by Governor Newsom.

Political and Board Governance

Nejabat has previously sought public office, running for the District 1 seat in the 2020 San Diego City Council race. That seat was eventually won by Joe LaCava.

The Del Mar Fairgrounds board consists of members who are appointed by the governor. These positions are unpaid.

The board’s current focus remains the management of the fairgrounds following the removal of Moore and the temporary appointment of Nejabat to oversee executive operations.