Board of Directors

At the Solano County Fairgrounds & Event Center

Board Members

JOE JOYCE

President

District 5 – Joined Board in 2023

Joe Is a lifelong Solano County resident growing up in the Fairfield area and living in both the Fairfield and Suisun City Communities. He is a former Police Officer and has been an active member of the community coaching and managing youth sports at all levels for over 2 decades. He is a Classic Car enthusiast and belongs to one of our county’s best-known Car Clubs and hosts many events that raise money for children and homeless efforts throughout the county. Joe since a child has been a fan of the Solano County Fair and will work hard to ensure that it continues to be a gathering place for all of Solano County. Joe is proud to be appointed to serve as the District 3 representative on the Board.

Lee WilliamsLEE WILLIAMS

Vice President

Director, District 5

Photo and Bio forthcoming…

SHAWN SMITH

Treasurer

District 2 – Joined Board in 2023

Shawn Smith was born in Fairfield and has been a lifelong resident of Solano County. He attended Solano Community College and transferred to Sacramento State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. In his professional career, he has worked for several local government agencies. His current role as a Senior Management Analyst in the City of Fairfield Information Technology department involves overseeing contracts, budgets, special projects, and other administrative duties.

Shawn values community engagement. In addition to serving as treasurer on the Solano County Fair Association board of directors, he has contributed to the following boards and organizations:

  • Honorary Commander, Travis Air Force Base
  • Government Affairs Committee, Fairfield-Suisun Chamber of Commerce
  • Region Co-Chair, Municipal Management Association of Northern California
  • Member, Municipal Information Systems Association of California
  • Volunteer, City of Fairfield Adopt-a-Street Program
  • Former Commissioner, City of Fairfield Planning Commission
  • Former Member, City of Fairfield Budget Advisory Committee
  • Former Commissioner, Solano Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)

In his free time, Shawn enjoys traveling, hiking, volunteering, and playing guitar.

GEORGE KENNEDY

Immediate Past President

District 2 – Joined Board in 2022

George Kennedy, as a Cordelia community member for 3 decades, Mr. Kennedy has been involved in multiple civic and community endeavors. He formerly served on the Tri-Valley Little League Board for 14 years- president for 7 years. Mr. Kennedy chaired the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon task force for Firefighters and Paramedic services, as well as Citizens for a Safer Fairfield. Last year Mr. Kennedy served as Chair of the Budget Advisory Committee for Fairfield. George also serves his community by serving on the Fairfield Planning Commission.

An avid pickleball enthusiast, George personally worked with the City Council and staff to refurbish the courts at Allan Witt Park; helping to build 16 new pickleball courts, 3 tennis courts, and a Futsal court. A long-time supporter of the Northern Solano Babe Ruth, Fairfield Expos organizations, Mr. Kennedy also led the efforts to construct the Cordelia Tri-Valley Little League fields, as well as Cordelia Community Park.

Mr. Kennedy brings his experience navigating the complicated intersection of business, private, civic and community interests to bear on the issues important to the Solano County Fair Association.

DEBORAH DICKSON

Board Member

District 1 – Joined Board in 2023

Deborah Dickson is a dedicated community advocate with a passion for improving the lives of Solano County residents. Born and raised in Vallejo, California, Deborah’s deep-rooted connection to her community drives her commitment to making a positive impact.

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Deborah’s career journey spans diverse roles and industries, showcasing her versatility and adaptability. As a certified Notary and skilled administrative professional, she has successfully managed various tasks and projects. Her expertise in fundraising and board presidency has made her an invaluable asset to multiple organizations.

For nearly a decade, Deborah served as a Water Aerobics Instructor and Fitness Motivator at InShape and 24Hour Fitness in Vallejo. During her time at Our Family, she excelled as an Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director. Additionally, Deborah founded and operated Fastype, a word processing firm with Notary services, legal form preparation, and small business support.

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Deborah’s dedication to community service and leadership roles is evident through her extensive involvement in various organizations. As the President of the Solano-Napa Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) from 2019 to 2023, she demonstrated her ability to inspire and empower. Deborah also played a pivotal role in chairing a successful $194M School Bond initiative, raising over $45K for the cause.

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Beyond political involvement, Deborah’s communication skills shone as the host of the locally produced television show “OUR VOICES with Deborah Dickson.” The show highlighted the positive aspects of the African American community, featuring interviews with prominent figures such as founding members of ConFunkShun and the first two African American men to successfully run for Vallejo City Council.

Throughout her career and community service, Deborah has received numerous accolades and recognitions for her outstanding contributions. Notably, she was awarded the Silver Legacy Award for her leadership in the Juneteenth Celebration Committee and honored as Omega Psi Phi Woman of the Year. Her dedication to volunteer work, exemplified through her involvement with the Omega Boys & Girls Club and the Arthritis Foundation of Northern California, has earned her widespread appreciation.

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As a devoted wife, mother to three adult sons, and grandmother to six grandchildren, Deborah’s passion for family values and community well-being drives her commitment to serving others.

JEFF MOORHEAD

Board Member

District 5 – Joined Board in 2021

Jeff Moorhead is a lifelong resident of Solano County. Jeff and his wife Melissa own and operate an 80 acre Ranch in Vacaville. Jeff and Melissa have previously owned and operated multiple businesses in the County including Moorhead Automotive Center, Fairfield Automotive Center, The Smog Shop and currently own Patriot Automotive and RV Service. Jeff has coached youth and High School Sports for over 19 years. Some of the sports include Basketball, Soccer, Softball, and Baseball, to name a few. Jeff believes in a philosophy of “Coaching with accountability” while simultaneously promoting “Americanism.” Jeff has served on multiple Boards including Vacaville Bobby Sox Softball, S.C. S.W.A.T, North Texas Business Association and Solano County Fair Association. Jeff is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys, Hunting, Fishing and riding Horses. He is a Pilot and enjoys flying when time allows.

RHONDA ROCHON SMITH

Board Member

District 1 – Joined Board in 2021

Rhonda Rochon-Smith is a dynamic professional with 27 years of progressive management and advocacy expertise. Specializing in building strategic partnerships focused on leading change and building consensus. Rhonda has served as a member of staff and boards and has volunteered and advocated in a variety of nonprofit, government, and educational institutions.

A native San Franciscan, Rhonda holds multiple Master’s degrees in – Public Administration from Golden Gate University, Adult Education from University of Phoenix and Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of San Francisco.
Rhonda has been a resident of Vallejo for 20 years and has worked in various positions throughout the County garnering significant connections with key influencers, political and government leaders, faith leaders, and community members. She wakes each morning remaining compassionate, courageous, and committed to making change in her community. She is currently involved with the following organizations:

  • Vallejo Chief’s Advisory Board Member
  • Member, Operation PEACE Community Task Force
  • Alumnae Chapter Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Vallejo
  • Vice-Chair, Contra Costa Regional Health Foundation
  • Member, Vallejo Chapter, NAACP
  • Executive Board Member, Community Democratic Club
  • Member, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA)

FRANK MALIFRANDO

Board Member

Director, District 2

Photo and Bio forthcoming…

NORMA PLACIDO

Board Member

District 1 – Joined Board in 1997

Norma lives in Vallejo and is very active in the community.  She was recognized as “One of the Most Influential Women in the World” by the Filipina Women’s Network, whose mission is to “position Filipina women as economic and social contributors to the global workplace.”  Norma has distinguished herself as a leader of the Filipino Community of Solano County, having served several years as its President.  She has been involved in countless and diverse charitable, humanitarian and cultural projects which have enriched the community and the county.

Essex CookESSEX COOK

Board Member

District 3 – Joined Board in 2025

Photo and Bio forthcoming…

Upcoming Meetings & Board Packets

Wednesday
October 21
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
November 18
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
December 16
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
January 20
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
February 17
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
March 17
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
April 21
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
May 19
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
June 16
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
July 21
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
August 18
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
September 15
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
October 20
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
November 17
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Wednesday
December 15
6:00 PM

REGULAR MEETING
Location: Directors’ Room

Instructions for Attending the SCFA Monthly Board Meeting:

Solano County Fair Association

Directors’ Room, 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, CA 94589

(Use Sage Street Gate Entrance)

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This meeting will only be accessible in-person and on-site. No remote access.