President: John Lammi
John Lammi has lived in Mason County since January of 1998, prior to that, he had lived in Oscoda, Michigan. He is married to his wife Karen, and they have two sons, Matthew and Michael, both of whom have participated at the Western Michigan Fair for a number of years. They are currently farming cattle, along with swine and poultry, at his home in Riverton Township. John has an associate’s degree in applied science from Ferris State University, and is employed with Consumers Energy. John has been a leader of the 4-H group Barnyard Buddies, for over 10 years, and has been a volunteer with Mason County Central Schools and Scottville Recreation, as a baseball and basketball coach. (Term expires 2024)
1st Vice President: Brandon Quillan
Bandon was born in Alpena, Michigan, but has lived in Mason County for 29 years. He graduated from Mason County Central and then went on to attend two tech schools at Wyotech. For the past 13 years, Brandon has been employed for UPS. As a youth, Brandon did participate in 4-H but then as a teenager, he transitioned into demo derbies, figure eight and off-road events. Brandon, his wife Carrie and their children Brooklyn, Brogan, Brayden and Bryce whom are 4-H members and sell animals at the West Mi Livestock Council Market Sale. Brandon’s goal serving on the WMFA Board of Directors is to continue creating great experiences for area youth and the community we live in. WMFA Committee assignments consist of Safety & Security and Parking and will help wherever he is needed. Aside from family, work and fair, Brandon enjoys RC Circle Track Racing, fishing and camping. He has coached his son’s hockey team, the West Shore Wolves for six years. (Term expires 2024)
2nd Vice President : John Cregg
John Cregg has experienced more fairs at the Mason County Fairgrounds than any other director. His family moved their 500 acre, 150 milking cow herd to Victory Township and at the age of 10, he began exhibiting a variety of 4-H projects which included both animals and non-livestock. When John aged out of the 4-H program, he became a 4-H Leader of the Northwest Livestock Club and has received his 30 year leadership pin. He has assisted his five children and now his sixteen grandchildren as they follow in his footsteps exhibiting and marketing their project animals. John and his wife Mary, chair the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Each spring it is that committees who makes recommendations and suggestions for repairs, new construction and capital improvements. John has been honored with both the Mason County 4-H Meritorious Service Award and Friend of 4-H. In 2014 he received the Michigan Fairs & Exhibitions Volunteer of the Year as well as Zone 3 Volunteer of the Year. He serves or has served in numerous capacities on the fair board, but he will tell you what he is most proud of “is that above all he is in it for the kids." John owns his own trucking business - Cregg Trucking. (Term expires 2023)
Secretary: Sheri Howe
Sheri Howe: Is lucky enough to have been raised in Mason County. Her family owns a horse farm that they purchased when she was 2 years old. She has had horses all her life, so it is no surprise that she have been a 4-H leader for over 20 years. Sheri has also been an Equestrian Team coach for 15 years. She received her Bachelor degree in accounting from Baker College. She works for UPS in Ludington. Sheri was able to marry her high school sweet heart and at that time she was introduced to the dairy farm world. Sheri and her husband have three wonderful children that are very involved in all aspects of their lives. They enjoy showing all species of animals, take dance lessons and participate school sports. They have also been involved with the 4-H program since they were 2 years old. Her great kids also help on both farms each and every day. She has been a member of the Western Michigan Fair Association for the past 6 years. She can't express how wonderful it is working with this dedicated group of volunteers. (Term expires 2025)
Executive Director: Scott Mertz, Jr.
Scott Merz, Jr was elected WMFA director in 2021 and the 2022 Western Mi Fair was the first time serving as a director. After volunteering to help out in 2021, he felt serving on the Board would be an opportunity to give back to the community. A lifelong Mason County resident, residing in Eden Township, Scott graduated from Mason County Central. He worked in the local farming industry for many years, but now is employed by Gustafson Well Drilling and Malburg Sanitation. Being an avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing and hunting. WMFA committee assignments include Traffic & Parking and Safety & Security. (Term expires 2023)
Director: Linda Hackert
Linda Hackert was born and raised in Ludington, and graduated from Ludington High School. Linda was the city girl who met and married the country boy. Together they owned and worked a dairy farm in Amber Township. She and David have two adult children and three grandchildren, who all have been involved in some form or another with the Mason County 4-H Program and West Mi. Livestock Council. Linda’s committee assignments are Superintendent of the Floriculture Building, overseeing the fair office during the annual fair and chairs and coordinates winter storage program. Having an artistic flare, Linda’s work can be seen with the small painted barn quilts, new auctioneers stand and photo backdrop for market animal buyers. (Term expires 2024)
Director: John Shoop
John Shoop has been a Mason County resident since 1976. He graduated from Mason County Eastern High School in 1983. He grew up working on area farms. For seven years He worked as an over the road truck driver and then 20 years as a service technician and delivery representative for Amerigas. Now he is back doing what he enjoys most...farming. John married his wife in 1991 and they are raising four children. AmyGrace, Jacob, Andrea and Audra. He has been a board member since 2005, serving on the Executive Board in the past. Skills he brings to the board are equipment operator, carpenter, propane gas repairman and an occasional welder. (Term expires 2023)
Director: Andy Quillan
Andrew (Andy) Quillan has lived in Mason County most of his life, graduating from Mason County Central and then continuing his education, receiving an AA degree from West Shore Community College and a B.A. degree from Grand Valley State University. He and his wife Kim reside in Sheridan Township, along with four children. The kids exhibit swine at the annual fair and market their projects through the West Michigan Livestock Council. Andy is employed with UPS and when time permits, he loves the outdoors, camps, ATV’s and anything that deals with motorsports. Being elected to the WMFA Board of Directors, Andy hopes to bring a different perspective on what can be done and how the idle areas of the fairgrounds can be used. He believes it is important to honor the past, and still wants to continue to update the grounds. But at the same time would like to bring new and different entertainment to the area. He feels that Mason County has one of the best fairgrounds in the state and wants to help keep it one step above the rest. (Term Expires 2024)
Director: Dennis Cregg
Dennis Cregg knows all about the Western Michigan Fair and Mason County Fairgrounds since his family can be regarded as “4-H Royalty”, beginning with his grandmother Frances “Granny” Cregg, father John, brother, sister, his children and nieces and nephews. Dennis admits he enjoys seeing his children and other family members as they carry on the family tradition. Dennis is employed at Marquette Rail as a diesel mechanic. His responsibilities on the WMFA Board is serving on the Building and Grounds Committee. This allows him to have a hand in helping maintain and improve the 61 acres and 27 buildings on the fairgrounds. Dennis especially enjoys the annual market animal sale and is available to help whenever needed. (Term expires 2025)
Director: Deby Gustafson
Debra (Deby) Gustafson was elected to the WMFA Board of Directors in 2020. Mason County was home until 1997, when her family moved south a mile and a half into Weare Township, Oceana County. Deby attended school in Pentwater and received her GED. Until some serious health issues curtailed two career choices, Deby is now very happy working for the family business, Gustafason Well Drilling, Inc. Deby has two adult children and several wonderful nieces and nephews who are 4-H members and introduced her to the joys of attending the annual fair. Other interests are traveling, camping and family time. The reason Deby ran for the Board was to give back to the community and in her words “share some of her useless knowledge!” One area of expertise learned as time serving as the Weare Township clerk, is assisting the WMFA treasurer with the daily cash office responsibilities. She also helped with parking and filled in wherever there was a void. (Term ends 2023)
Director: Tyler Martz
Tyler Martz was born and raised in Mason County on the family farm. He graduated from Mason County Central in 2008. Tyler is married to his wife, Amy, and have one son. They reside in Riverton Township. He has been employed by Springdale Farms for the last 15 years. Tyler has participated in the 4-H program since he was 5 years old showing multiple animals until he aged out. Tyler joined the WMFA Board to be more involved mentoring the youth and assist anywhere he is needed on the grounds. In his free time he enjoys doing anything outdoors including camping, hunting, and fishing. (Term expires 2025)
~ In Memory ~ : Rod Baker
Rod Baker March 24, 1946 - February 20, 2023