Sam Nejabat
Sam Nejabat is an American businessman based in San Diego, California.
Early life and education
Nejabat was born and raised in San Diego, California.
In 2024, Nejabat earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California Berkeley, a juris doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and in 2007 a master's degree in liberal studies from Dartmouth College.
Career
In 2019, he was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom as a board member of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which runs venues such as the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the San Diego County Fair. The nine fair board members voted 5–4 to appoint Nejabat to the position over Michael Gelfand, who has been serving as the board's first vice president.
Was assistant deputy director of external affairs at the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development from 2020 to 2023 and senior advisor to the attorney general of California in the state's Department of Justice from 2023 to 2024.
In July 2024, he was appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees by Governor Gavin Newsom. He was unanimously confirmed by the California State Senate in a 33–0 vote in favor.
In April 2026, executive director of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Carlene Moore, was fired after the board that runs the fairgrounds held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday. Chair Sam Nejabat said that the board unanimously appointed him as interim CEO for 10 days.
Nejabat is president of SJN Properties, a position he has held since 2013.