There are many different events that compose the cultural cornerstone of the Gulf Coast: Mardi Gras, Hangout Fest, Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo and, of course, the Greater Gulf State Fair in Mobile, Alabama. But what about the individuals behind the scenes? What would these memories be without them?
Join Southern View Media as we raise a celebratory toast to Josh Woods, the executive director for the Greater Gulf State Fair and The Grounds!
An Alabama local, Josh Woods was born and raised in Grand Bay, Alabama. He graduated from the University of South Alabama with a degree in finance. Before curating memories at the fairgrounds, however, Josh worked at BB&T. He began as a relationship teller and, in 10 years, left the bank as a commercial credit underwriter and vice president. But how did Josh make the leap from finance to the Greater Gulf State Fair?
His answer lies in the fact that he served with the Mobile Jaycees.
The Mobile Junior Chamber of Commerce, also known as Mobile Jaycees, is a nonprofit organization for young professionals. Members can participate in different boards. The Mobile Jaycees is also the parent organization of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR), the Azalea Trail Maids and the Greater Gulf State Fair. Josh served on the board of directors before assuming the position of executive director in 2016.
“It is the best job I’ve ever had,” Josh said. “Every day is different. You might have a reptile show one day and then you have a market style day the next.”
A family man with sons and a wife, Josh understands how much the fair means to families along the Gulf Coast.
“I have three boys and my favorite memory [with this job] is watching my 6 and 3-years-old sons have their first experience of the fair,” Josh said, smiling.
Learn more about the Greater Gulf State Fair by visiting www.greatergulfstatefair.com! You can also find the Mobile Jaycees on Facebook.
