Heidi Svonavec currently serves as the Executive Director of the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.
A Somerset County native, Svonavec has more than 25 years of experience in show management with 17 of those years at the 24-acre Farm Show Complex in her roles as assistant and as show manager for commercial and special events. Svonavec has served in various roles with the PA Department of Agriculture for nearly 22 years. She has spent time on her parent’s farm in Somerset as a wedding planner and is a partner in her family’s auction business, Luce Auctioneers, LLC.
A graduate of Penn State University, Svonavec received her Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural education. She currently resides in Franklin County with her family and enjoys supporting their farming, tractor pulling, equine and basketball interests. Svonavec supports ag youth development programs and holds membership in various ag organizations.
Chris Bond joined the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture staff in August 2025 as Assistant Director of the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. Chris will oversee events and operations at the complex. Having most recently served as Director of Agricultural and Environmental Education at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Chris has more than 20 years of varied experience as an agriculture and environmental educator, as well as experience running facilities and operations on a college campus, at research and teaching farms, and in a retail plant nursery.
Soon to complete his master’s degree in educational leadership, Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Southern New Hampshire University, and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Fingerlakes Community College in New York. He has also earned nursery technician credentials in Ohio, New York, and Maine, as well as permaculture designer certification. He lives in Marietta.
Morgan has been at the Complex since 2013. She assists in managing the diverse events held throughout the year. Morgan is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agribusiness Management and from Delaware Valley College with a Masters of Business Administration. Previously, she worked as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Secretaries at the Department of Agriculture and for Penn State Extension as a multi-county Extension Educator. Morgan is a farm girl at heart, growing up on a cattle, sheep and pumpkin farm in Berks County. She still enjoys helping out on her family's farm.
Jason has been with the Farm Show Complex since 2008. He manages the trade shops, all shows and meetings and all construction projects. He is responsible for up to 90 personnel depending on the season. Jason also serves as an Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. He lives in Camp Hill with his wife Beth and daughter Sadie.
Ann has been with the Farm Show Complex since 2014. She is graduate of Bloomsburg University and lives in Berks County with her family. She has more than 20 years' experience in facility building management. Ann is responsible for the Operations Department that coordinates event setup, teardown, janitorial, trash and complex grounds to accommodate the Farm Show Complex's event schedules. Ann enjoys the challenge of maintaining a million square foot complex, while meeting tight deadlines for multiple shows and events.
Ted, a native of Downingtown, currently resides in Perry county with his wife and family. Ted is a graduate from Downingtown High School and Central Chester County Vo-Tech. He has been in the HVAC/R field for 42 years and uses that experience to control the climate and air quality in the Farm Show Complex. Keeping the vast array of equipment operating is a huge challenge that he enjoys.
Mike Wilbert has been employed at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center for more than 15 years. He currently serves as the Building Maintenance Manager and has held previous roles including Equipment Operator A and Maintenance Repairman. Mike lives in Hummelstown and is a graduate of the Central Dauphin East High School. He enjoys the hands-on aspect of his position at the facility.
A current farmer in Dalmatia, Jeff Marts currently serves as the Building Maintenance Supervisor at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. He has spent the past 10+ years in various positions at the facility including Maintenance Repairman, Operator A and Foreman. Jeff is a proud former member of the Pennsylvania FFA Association and particularly enjoys the ag-related shows at the Complex.
A Harrisburg Native, Doug joined the Show Management Division in May of 2006. He is the Events Manager Doug work closely with staff and clients. Doug lives in the Harrisburg area with his wife of five years and three children.
Deb has been an employee of the Farm Show Complex & Expo Center since July 1991. She assists approximately 300 Farm Show Commercial Exhibitors through the contract process each year. Additionally, she serves as the recording secretary for the State Farm Products Show Commission, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Committee and the Friends of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Foundation, Inc. Deb and her husband Ed live in Harrisburg with their children.
Nessa Rodriquez works as the Meetings Manager for the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. She currently resides in Mechanicsburg with her husband, three children and two cats. Nessa enjoys attending the diverse events held at the complex.
Rich has over 20 years of law enforcement and security experience. He currently serves as the Chief of Security for the Pennsylvania Farm Show, where he is responsible for managing over 100 security officers, ensuring the safety and security of the facility, its employees, visitors, contractors, as well as protecting property and assets.
Prior to his current role, Rich held several key positions, including Dean of Students at Trinity High School and Public Safety Captain at York College. His foundation in security and safety was further bolstered by his service as a Military Police officer in the United States Army. Rich’s extensive experience and strong leadership skills have equipped him to excel in high-pressure environments and contribute significantly to organizational safety.