Matthew Johnson Appointed as Chief of Staff

Kentucky Venues, the operating brand of the Kentucky State Fair Board, today announced the appointment of Matthew J. Johnson as Chief of Staff, effective immediately. Johnson will serve as a key strategic advisor and operational leader to President & CEO David S. Beck, coordinating agency activities across departments as the organization executes a transformational $460+ million expansion and renovation of the Kentucky Exposition Center and booming event activity at the Kentucky International Convention Center.

Johnson joins Kentucky Venues during peak operational season, following record-breaking music festivals (Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life) that drew 450,000 attendees and ahead of The Utility Expo, which will bring 21,000 utility industry professionals to the Kentucky Exposition Center October 7-9. These events exemplify Kentucky Venues' growing competitive position as the most capable venue in the nation, hosting over 300 events annually that generated more than $385 million in estimated economic impact in fiscal year 2024.

"Matt Johnson brings exactly the combination of leadership, operational expertise, and Kentucky roots that this organization needs during this pivotal period," said David S. Beck, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. "His nearly 25 years of strategic leadership in state government, combined with his deep understanding of both large-scale event operations and Kentucky's agricultural community, make him ideally suited to help coordinate our efforts across two major facilities, six signature agricultural events, and the largest expansion and renovation project in our history."

Johnson retired from the Kentucky State Police (KSP) in 2025 at the rank of Major after nearly 25 years of distinguished service, most recently serving as the West Operations Division Director from 2019 to 2025. In that role, he led statewide operational strategy for multiple regional divisions, overseeing hundreds of personnel and directing cross-agency partnerships with state, local, and federal entities to ensure public safety and organizational efficiency.

His experience includes serving as General Counsel of the Kentucky State Police (2013-2016), providing legal oversight and guidance to agency leadership, and as Branch Commander for Legislative & Facilities Security (2012-2013), coordinating directly with Kentucky General Assembly officials and staff. Johnson also served as Captain and Post Commander of Post 4 in Elizabethtown (2016-2019), managing one of Kentucky's busiest State Police posts responsible for personnel management, budgeting, community engagement, and crisis response.

Critically, Johnson has direct operational experience with two of Kentucky’s signature events—the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky State Fair—serving as state police liaison for these major gatherings that attract hundreds of thousands of attendees annually and require complex security coordination.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity to continue serving the Commonwealth in a new capacity," said Johnson. "Kentucky Venues is the economic flagship for our state's tourism and agriculture industries, bringing all 120 counties together through events that showcase Kentucky to the world. I'm honored to join David Beck and this exceptional team during such a transformative period, and I look forward to supporting their efforts to make this organization even stronger."

As Chief of Staff, Johnson will coordinate initiatives across Kentucky Venues' departments while advancing organizational goals related to economic growth, agricultural heritage, and public service. He will advise and oversee strategic planning related to major events and capital improvements.

A native Louisvillian who grew up in the Shively area, Johnson is a decorated military veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves from 1997 to 2005, including two combat deployments to Iraq (2003-2005). His military decorations include the Navy / Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He serves on multiple professional boards and has received numerous awards, including the Commissioner's Commendation from the Kentucky State Police.

Johnson brings additional unique qualifications to the role: He is a working cattle farmer in Hardin County, giving him authentic connections to Kentucky's agricultural community, which Kentucky Venues serves through events like the National Farm Machinery Show, North American International Livestock Exposition, and Kentucky State Fair. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law (2011) and a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration from Eastern Kentucky University (2000).

Johnson's appointment supports Kentucky Venues' strategic priorities during unprecedented growth and investment. The organization is executing a multi-phase expansion and renovation of the Kentucky Exposition Center, enabling bigger events to consider Louisville as their future home. The improvements are projected to generate over $6.6 billion in total economic output for the Commonwealth over the next decade.