DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2023) — The 22nd District Agricultural Association’s Board of Directors officially has new leadership after a unanimous vote at last month's Board meeting.

Frederick Schenk, who was previously the board’s First Vice President, officially took over this month as Board President. Michael D. Gelfand is now the First Vice President. The previous Board President, G. Joyce Rowland, has assumed the role of Second Vice President.

The Board of Directors, which is appointed by the Governor of California, approved the nominations at its Nov. 14 meeting. The new officer positions were effective Dec. 1.

The District's Board has historically rotated leadership positions after every year or two. This will be Schenk’s second term as president. He previously served in the role from 2013-2016.

“It is an honor to serve again as Board President of an institution that is incredibly meaningful to generations of residents in San Diego County and beyond,” Schenk said. “The Del Mar Fairgrounds is an iconic and important gathering place in our community — one that has been vital to San Diego County in both times of need and times of celebration. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Board, with the District's staff, with our operators, and with our partners to create exceptional experiences and to emphasize responsibility, accountability, and accessibility on behalf of the diverse communities we serve."

“I also want to thank Joyce Rowland for her strong and steady leadership for these past two years as the District made an incredible comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased that she has agreed to remain on our leadership team," Schenk said. "I am also eager to work with Michael Gelfand, who will make an excellent addition to our leadership team."

Schenk, an influential, award-winning litigator, was first appointed to the District's Board in 2002 and was most recently reappointed in 2018.

The son of an immigrant family, Schenk received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA and his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. He is currently a partner at CaseyGerry, where he oversees mass tort litigation for the firm. He is also a co-author of the LexisNexis California Automobile Litigation Handbook.

As a lawyer, Schenk has also advocated for and successfully represented victims and their families, including in cases related to asbestos exposure and the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Schenk is active in the American Board of Trial Attorneys, where he served as President of the San Diego chapter in 2021, and has received numerous accolades for his legal work and for his community service. He has been inducted into the Lawdragon Hall of Fame, and in 2016, the San Diego County Bar acknowledged Schenk’s civic service by awarding him its annual Community Service award in recognition of his work in the community.

Schenk resides in Carmel Valley.

Gelfand, an esteemed real estate businessman, was appointed to the 22nd District Agricultural Association's Board of Directors in 2020.

Gelfand owns and operates a real estate investment management company that, throughout California, specializes in high quality, waterfront recreation vehicle parks, mobile home communities, and marinas. In San Diego, his company, Terra Vista Management, Inc., manages Campland on the Bay and Mission Bay RV Resort.

Gelfand has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Old Globe Theater, the California Travel and Tourism Commission, and the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds. He has also served as a Director of numerous other organizations.

Gelfand resides in Rancho Santa Fe.

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