Community & Business
The Pensacola Interstate Fair has a new leader, and he’s coming off a career of running some of the Navy’s biggest organizations rather than county fairs.
- The Fair’s Board of Directors has named retired Navy Capt. Gilbert “Gil” E. Clark Jr. as Chief Executive Officer, putting him in charge of steering the 91-year-old nonprofit through what board leaders are calling its next chapter.
Why it’s personal: Clark’s wife, Heather Lohbeck Clark, grew up in Cantonment and graduated from Tate High School in 1998, giving the family deep ties to North Escambia’s farming and FFA/4-H traditions.
A career built on running big institutions. Clark spent more than 28 years in Navy leadership, including a stint as Commander of Naval Surface Group Southwest in San Diego, where he founded the Navy’s first integrated surface force enterprise. He also served as Commandant of Midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, overseeing a 5,000-person institution and a $180 million budget.
- Bachelor’s degree in history, U.S. Naval Academy
- Master’s degree in national security and strategic studies, U.S. Naval War College
- 28+ years of Navy leadership experience
What the Fair’s board is saying. Board President Andy Peterson said Clark brings “the leadership experience, strategic vision and organizational expertise we need to take the Fair into its next chapter.”
What’s next for the Fair. Clark’s priorities go well beyond keeping the rides running each fall.
Clark’s stated priorities include:
- A new spring event to complement the traditional fall Fair and open a second revenue stream
- Expanded agricultural education programming for children and young adults, with hands-on demonstrations and exhibits
- Partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, agricultural extension services, FFA and 4-H programs
- Exploring university partnerships tied to agriculture and veterinary studies
- Building sponsorships, grants and a stronger year-round brand for the Fairgrounds
The push comes as the Fair leans back into its founding mission: agricultural education. Clark said he wants the Fairgrounds to introduce the next generation to careers in “farming, veterinary medicine, science, or any other field connected to agriculture.”
The bottom line: A retired Navy captain who once ran a $180 million Naval Academy operation is now betting he can turn the Pensacola Interstate Fair into a 365-day-a-year agricultural and community asset, not just an 11-day event every fall.
- The 91st annual Pensacola Interstate Fair runs Oct. 22-Nov. 1, 2026. More information is available at PensacolaFair.com.
Thank you in advance for requested information on the honorary sword recipient presented to the 1998 midshipman on behalf of the Fleet Reserve Association. Phil Hanna, USN RET
I was honored to present the sword to an honor graduate at the Academy on behalf of the Fleet Reserve Association in 1998. Retired Captain Gilbert Clark Jr. was also a graduate of the 1998 Academy class.. After all these years I am unable to determine the name of the midshipman that I presented the coveted sword to. My personal active duty career ended in September of 1976 as an ETCS having served on USS Intrepid CVA11, USS Canopus AS34, and USS Compass Island EAG153 with two tours of duty at Dam Neck Submarine Enlisted Training Center.
But will they continue to host six hot tub shows and eight gun shows each year?!