John Putney (john@blueribbonfoundation.org)
John Putney, a native of Gladbrook, is the Executive Director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Appointed by the Iowa State Fair Board, he is spearheading the campaign to renovate and restore the historic Iowa State Fairgrounds.

A graduate of Iowa State University, Putney operated a 1,100 acre grain and livestock operation in Tama County for 23 years. From 1989 until accepting this position, Putney served as a Special Assistant to Senator Charles Grassley. During his tenure with Grassley, Putney planned statewide activities to foster economic growth and coordinated numerous federal conferences. Since 2003 he has continued his civic duty as a State Senator upholding Iowa's values through legislation.

He has been an avid participant in the Iowa State Fair for many years -- as an exhibitor, President of the Sale of Champions, and Beef Superintendent. In addition, Putney has been active in numerous civic and agricultural organizations.

Robin Taylor (robin@blueribbonfoundation.org)
Robin Taylor is the Assistant Director of the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. Joining the four person Foundation staff in 1999, Robin oversees the Foundation's merchandise programs, works with the accounts and coordinates the auction for the Corn Dog Kickoff Benefit Auction and Fair Food Grazing Party.

Raised in Perry, Robin is a 1991 graduate of Central College and has a Masters in Russian and East European Studies from the University of Kansas. Prior to joining the Foundation, she spent 6 years with Youth For Understanding International Exchange as an Outreach Coordinator, responsible for the recruitment and support of American teenagers as exchange students. As you might imagine with this background, Robin enjoys traveling and is always looking for new places to explore. Other pursuits include gardening, golf, photography, and volunteering with the Urbandale Jaycees and at Living History Farms.

Jennifer Cannon (jennifer@blueribbonfoundation.org)
Jennifer Cannon is the Sponsorship Director for the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. She is responsible for the procurement and coordination of all annual event sponsors for the Iowa State Fair as well as coordinating the Iowan of the Day program.

Jen earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Central College in business management with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in communications.

Prior to joining the Blue Ribbon Foundation, she worked as the Promotions intern at the Des Moines Register. Jen also gained valuable experience while spending a semester studying in Chicago and interning in the public relations department of a world-wide advertising company. She stays active playing volleyball, helping her husband on his farm in Newton and enjoys photography.

Growing up only 30 miles from the Fairgrounds on an acreage in Collins, Jennifer is definitely not a stranger to the Fair. She has many fond memories of participating in 4-H, Share the Fun, and camping with her grandparents. She can't remember a summer she did not attend the Fair.

Emily Saveraid (emily@blueribbonfoundation.org)
Emily Saveraid is the Communications Manager for the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation. She directs the Foundation's communication efforts, including the quarterly newsletter, press releases, brochures and web site, as well as special events planning. She also works with the various giving programs.

Originally from Marion, Emily is a Wartburg College graduate earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in Public Relations and Political Science with a minor in Leadership Studies.

Emily has been involved in the Iowa State Fair for many years. From giving 4-H presentations and showing livestock to working for the 4-H Media Corps, she has seen many sides of the Fair. She also participated in both the State Fair Queen Contest and the Cowgirl Queen Contest.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Emily was Editor at the Iowa Bankers Association.