PASSING THE TORCH. Rusty Volk, right, has been executive director of the Northern Wisconsin State Fair for almost 20 years. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Volk will enter retirement and Brian Maki, left, will step into the executive director role.

When longtime Northern Wisconsin State Fair (NWSF) Executive Director, Rusty Volk, announced plans to retire at the end of 2025, one question rose above the rest: Who the heck can fill his shoes?

On Monday, June 16, the community received NWSF’s answer: Brian Maki. NWSF’s announcement included comments from both Rusty and NWSF Association President, Jim Koehler, expressing their excitement for the future and the bittersweetness of closing this chapter.

Rusty has been with NWSF for about 18 years, serving as an instrumental leader in the fairgrounds’ redevelopment and roll out of various programs and events. He has also overseen the continued success of the fair – including its draw of locals and visitors alike; in recent years, the five-day fair event has annually exceeded 100,000 visitors.

Brian is well known across the Chippewa Valley, joining NWSF with decades of professional expertise in upper-level leadership; extensive experience in recruiting, evaluating, hiring, and training employees; and developing and executing advertising and event sponsorship agreements.

Here at Volume One, we know Brian especially well – he has been part of and essential to our crew for nearly 10 years. While we don’t typically spotlight the shifts and shimmies goin’ on internally at V1, this is a special case on a few different levels. 

"I've been excited for Brian and this opportunity since we first spoke of the possibility ... Sometimes things just make sense, and this is one of those times."

Nick meyer

volume one co-founder & publisher

Pillow Inspector No. 2 Brian Maki, far right, pictured playing working hard at Volume One's 2023 April Fool's Day Pillow Fight.

"I've been excited for Brian and this opportunity since we first spoke of the possibility," Nick Meyer, Volume One co-founder and publisher, said. "It's such a fantastic community-minded step for him at this stage of his career, and we all know he'll work hard for Chippewa Falls and the entire Valley, just as he has with us at Volume One for many years. Sometimes things just make sense, and this is one of those times."

Brian first met Rusty several years ago after a Volume One-related meeting with NWSF's Assistant Executive Director, Cindy Boggess. "I could immediately tell Rusty and I had a lot in common relative to similar personalities, and harboring an enthusiastic, entrepreneurial spirit," he said. 

Fast forward to this spring, and the likeminded pair connected again. This time, they spoke of the future.

"As it's abundantly apparent now – I'm over the moon with now becoming part of such an effective, committed, and endearing group of stakeholders," Brian said of NWSF. "I'm truly, truly, truly humbled, and of course extremely excited, to start digging in, listening and learning from Rusty and their remarkable team."

"The entire squad is truly an energetic, forward-thinking, and extremely talented and endearing team – a testament to the quality of people Nick has a knack for hiring. That's what I'm going to miss the most! My tireless teammates. The only caveat is; look where I'm landing! What a unicorn of an opportunity on so many levels."

BRIAN MAKI

INCOMING NWSF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LONGTIME V1-ER

While completely committed to and excited for the next chapter with NWSF – and, particularly, the inaugural BBQ Fest and Chippewa Falls Oktoberfest events slated for this fall – Brian said he will miss Volume One (and we didn't force him to say it!).

"I seriously thought I'd be the first Volume One employee to retire from V1," Brian said. "Why? Simply put: the exuberant, vivacious vibe of the entire youthful staff – I'm a spry 57! – has kept me young in spirit, perspective, and softened the hard edges of navigating the extremely competitive business world.

"The entire squad is truly an energetic, forward-thinking, and extremely talented and endearing team – a testament to the quality of people Nick has a knack for hiring," he added. "That's what I'm going to miss the most! My tireless teammates. The only caveat is; look where I'm landing! What a unicorn of an opportunity on so many levels. See you at the fair, eh?"

Certainly, a warm congratulations is in order to both Rusty and Brian as they continue to work together and with the community. As Brian would say, "upwards and onwards!"

Learn more about the Northern Wisconsin State Fair and its various events and programming at www.nwsfa.com.