The Carmel International Arts Festival board of directors has announced Rachel Ferry’s acceptance the position of executive director. A longtime volunteer and board member for the festival and a professional in the nonprofit sector, Rachel will replace Dawn Fraley, who stepped down shortly after this year’s event.
The 2020 CIAF is set for Sept. 26 and 27.
Ferry is the manager of Events and Hospitality at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for the past five years with concentrations in communications and events. Her passion for creativity led her to the Carmel International Arts Festival as a volunteer several years ago. She was then elected to the festival’s board of directors and most recently held an executive officer position.
“Rachel and I have volunteered together for a variety of events and organizations in Carmel,” said Jill Gilmer, president of the board. “Without a doubt, the newly elected executive officers and executive director will strive to continue the great legacy that Dawn and Rosemary (Waters) have set in place over the years. I’m excited to see what’s in store for the 2020 Carmel International Arts Festival.”
Ferry has experience in marketing and event management as well as volunteering in the Carmel community. As a member of the inaugural committee for the Carmel Marathon, Ferry assisted in all aspects of planning the event; she then helped secure national and local event partner sponsorships for the marathon for the following five years. She is a former board member of the Carmel Education Foundation and still provides marketing support for the foundation as well as volunteering as a key organizer for the annual CEF Ghosts and Goblins 5K/ 2K run/walk each fall. Additionally, Ferry has volunteered for the Center for the Performing Arts’ gala committee and Carmel PorchFest.
Ferry holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and lives in Carmel with her husband, Bryan. They have two adult children, Garrett, of Carmel, and Georgia, who attends Ball State University, along with two giant schnauzers, Wrigley and Pepper. In her spare time, Ferry said she enjoys creating her own artwork in various mediums, seeing live music and spending time with her family.
Changes also were announced regarding the 2020 board of directors and the officers on the board. The new board is as follows: President Jill Gilmer, Vice President Joshua Carr, Treasurer Randall Cloe and Secretary Annie Schweiger.
