Meet the brains behind the Devon County Show

Devon County Agricultural Association (DCAA) has appointed Lisa Moore as its new Chief Executive.

The organisation has played a leading role in Devon’s agricultural and rural development since its establishment in 1872, with its flagship event being the popular Devon County Show, which takes place at Westpoint every May. 

Lisa has been performing as Acting Chief Executive of the DCAA for the past nine months. 

Andy Gray, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at DCAA, said: “Having compared and discussed alternative options, the Board has decided that Lisa is the most suitable candidate for the role. Over the period, she has demonstrated her capacity to lead and manage the DCAA, her unwavering commitment to the organisation, as well as an exemplary knowledge and understanding of our culture and our people.”

Born and bred in Devon, Lisa has a fascinating background, and her passion for horses has taken her to countries all over the world.

“When I left school, working with, training, and transporting polo ponies took me all over the world, from America, Australia, Switzerland, and even Mykonos in Greece,” said Lisa. “It was an absolute dream job!”

Lisa returned to the UK 22 years ago, where she married her husband Ben and had two children, Sophie and Charlie. 

It was around this time that Lisa got a job at Devon County Show, an event that she had been going to since she was a small child. 

“It was yet another dream job, with flexible hours that enabled me to have a career whilst allowing me time to spend with my children.”

In November 2022, the then-show manager announced her departure, and Lisa was asked to step up to the role of acting show manager. 

“It came at just the right time. The children were 17 and nearly 14, respectively, and I was in a position to devote more time to the development of my career.”

Sadly, in July 2022, Lisa’s family home, a listed thatched cottage in Strete Ralegh, Whimple, burnt down to the ground, along with all of their possessions. 

Since then, they have engaged in many discussions with insurance companies while living in rental accommodation before reaching a mutual agreement.

“Two years on, the rebuild is well underway, and we hope to be back in the house by May next year. I’ve always been the type of person who just gets on with it, regardless of obstacles, and in my case, the saying ‘the show must go on’ has never been truer!”

Lisa already has two successful shows under her belt.

Last December, she was asked to take on a temporary position as DCAA’s acting CEO, a role that encompasses both sides of the businesses, the Devon County Show and Westpoint Centre.

She will continue to lead the preparations for the 2025 event. 

“Having spent so many years working in the heart of the DCAA and getting to know it inside out, I’m fully aware of the potential challenges that can arise when there are so many individuals involved—including volunteers and staff—we have around 450! Everyone is valued, and it’s important to listen to each one and respect their opinions. 

“I’m truly delighted to have been given this opportunity to lead the DCAA in a permanent role. As the first ever woman to take up the reins, I’m so looking forward to working with the board to help grow all areas of the business and to ensure the DCAA continues to support all its charitable objectives both now and into the future. Watch this space!”