WEST SPRINGFIELD – Eastern States Exposition (ESE) Vice President Sue Lavoie has announced her retirement, capping a 49-year career with the West Springfield organization. She joined the staff of ESE in June, 1966, and has held a number of positions, culminating in her appointment of Vice President in 1986.
“Sue’s list of accomplishments at ESE and in life is long and honorable,” ESE President and CEO, Eugene J. Cassidy, said. “She is an impressive woman who worked hard to guide and mold our organization into the fifth largest fair in North America and one of the top ten economic engines in western Massachusetts.”
She oversees the sales department, which is responsible for selling of all commercial exhibit space for The Big E, obtaining sponsorships and booking the facility for year-round events, which number in excess of 100. Sue also serves as liaison to the Exposition’s Avenue of States, working closely with the six New England state governments which own and operate the buildings.
“I remember the Exposition with dirt roads and old buildings and have seen this organization grow and change with numerous new structures and a thriving year-round show business,” Lavoie said. “I am proud of the spectacular showcase Eastern States Exposition has become and pleased to have been a part of its evolution.”
Lavoie is an active member of the Rotary Club of Springfield, serving as its first female president in 1997/1998 and receiving the organization’s Paul Harris honor in 1998. Her awards include the Women’s Partnership (now the Professional Women’s Chamber) Woman of the Year (1998), as well as the two highest awards for volunteerism bestowed by the YMCA: the Outstanding Layperson of the Year (1990) and its Red Triangle award (2002).
She is board chair and Finance Committee member of the Mount Marie Health Care System; past chair of the Springfield YMCA, Pioneer Valley American Red Cross and Springfield School Volunteers; past president of the Women’s Partnership and the Mass. Agricultural Fairs Association; past board member of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Partnership, New England chapter of the International Association of Exposition Managers (IAEM), West Springfield Boys & Girls Club and the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control Shelter; as well as past board member of the Springfield Parking Authority Commission and past Board of Parks Commissioner, both appointed by former Mayor Michael Albano. Lavoie has also served on several committees for the Springfield YWCA. She is also a Certified Fair Executive of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.
Lavoie will retire March 31 and hopes to travel, spend more time with family as well as on Cape Cod, and remain an active volunteer in the community.
