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CEO Of LA County Fair Association Steps Down

POMONA (AP) The chief executive of the Los Angeles County Fair Association is stepping down after reports that he received a lucrative salary while the group floundered in debt.

The association announced Wednesday that Jim Henwood is leaving after 20 years as CEO.

Board chairman J. Michael Ortiz will take over until a permanent CEO is selected.

Henwood said Wednesday that's he proud of his tenure but he's become a distraction from the association's work.

The association operates the Fairplex facility Pomona, which hosts the county fair, concerts and other programs.

Henwood's departure followed a Los Angeles Times investigation that found he received more than $1 million in compensation in 2014, when the group reported nearly $3 ½ million in losses.

County supervisors ordered an audit last year. Results haven't been released.

(© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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