Bonner County commissioners have unanimously approved Zach Spohn to fill a vacant seat on the Bonner County Fair Board, selecting him largely for his financial expertise at a time when the board has identified fiscal management as a key priority.
Spohn’s appointment covers the remainder of a four-year term running from July 7, 2026, through January 15, 2029. He currently serves as finance director at Wildwood Grilling in Sandpoint and previously worked as an accountant. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Montana.
Financial Background Drives Selection
Commissioner Brian Domke pointed to Spohn’s financial background as the deciding factor in his selection. The fair board had specifically sought candidates with experience handling fiscal responsibilities, and Spohn’s combination of accounting credentials and his current role overseeing finance at a local business made him a strong fit for those needs.
Commissioner Asia Williams was absent during the fair board interviews and did not participate in the vote. She did, however, offer remarks to the candidates who went through the process, saying, “Even if you weren’t selected, that continued participation and involvement has been invaluable to the fair board. So, thank you to everyone.”
Seat Opened After Manager Hire
The vacancy arose after Staci McBrayer stepped down from the fair board following her hiring as Bonner County Fair manager in early May. Her move from a volunteer board role into the paid management position left the seat open and required the commissioners to solicit and evaluate new applicants.
With Spohn’s seat now filled, one additional fair board vacancy remains. A final interview for that position is still pending, meaning commissioners will likely return to the matter in the coming weeks to complete the board’s roster ahead of the county fair season.
The fair board appointment reflects the county’s broader effort to ensure sound financial oversight of public events and facilities. With the Bonner County Fair representing a significant community institution — and one that draws residents from Sandpoint, Priest River, Clark Fork, and beyond — commissioners have placed emphasis on bringing in volunteers with backgrounds suited to managing the event’s operational and budgetary demands.
Local government appointments like this one are routine but consequential, shaping how county boards function during key stretches of the year. Residents interested in other open advisory or board positions in Bonner County can monitor commissioner meeting agendas for upcoming opportunities.