Kathie Swift Remembered For Decades Of Iowa State Fair Marketing Leadership And Lasting Community Impact
Kathie Swift passed away on July 20, and the Iowa State Fair community remembered Kathie Swift on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for a career that helped shape one of Iowa’s treasured traditions.
Kathie Swift served as the Fair’s Marketing Director from 1978 to 2004, guiding its public voice for more than a quarter-century through television, radio, branding, and community outreach.
Kathie Swift created the Fair’s in-house marketing agency, developed its first website, and established its official style guide, leaving systems that continue to support the event today.
Colleagues remembered Kathie Swift for careful editing, a sharp sense of humor, mentorship, and deep commitment to the Fair’s reputation and future.
A tribute from a former summer employee who worked at the Fair from 1994 to 2006 honored Kathie Swift as a foundational leader whose influence reached many careers.
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