Phil Blair Named to 22nd DAA Board

Governor Newsom has appointed Del Mar resident Phil Blair to the Fair Board (formally the 22nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors).

Blair, an executive officer and co-owner with Mel Katz of Manpower San Diego since 1977, has served the region in numerous boards, including the San Diego USO Board (Chair from 2021-2023), San Diego Chamber of Commerce Board, San Diego Convention Center Board (Chair from 2016 to 2020), Economic Development Corporation Board, and the San Diego Workforce Partnership Board. Blair was Chair of LEAD San Diego from 1998 to 2001 and 2008 to 2010, and currently serves on the board of the Del Mar Foundation.

Blair commented on his appointment as follows: “I am honored to have been selected by Governor Newsom to serve on the Fair Board. This is an exciting and pivotal time for the Fairgrounds.  The Board is working on a Strategic Plan which will consider major initiatives to balance continuing to be a fun recreational facility for the San Diego region with maximizing the income potential [to support the 22nd DAA’s mission.] There are many issues facing the Fair Board, from considering affordable housing, train routes, the future of horse racing and betting, needed infrastructure upgrades and potential new development. I look forward to lively discussion about the issues with my fellow Del Martians.”