The Board of Directors of the Carmel International Arts Festival is proud to announce that Rachel Ferry has accepted the position of Executive Director. A longtime volunteer, board member for the Festival and a professional in the non-profit sector, Rachel will replace Dawn Fraley, who stepped down shortly after this year’s highly successful event.
Ferry
Ferry is currently the Manager of Events and Hospitality at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. She has worked in the non-profit sector for the last 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. Her passion for art and her community are the perfect combination to take on her new role as Executive Director of the Carmel International Arts Festival.
“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 vast 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, she 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 Walk Run each fall. Additionally, she has volunteered for the Center for the Performing Arts Gala Committee and Carmel PorchFest.
Ferry has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University and lives in Carmel with her husband Bryan. They have two adult children, Garrett (Carmel) and Georgia (Ball State University) and two Giant Schnauzers, Wrigley and Pepper. In her spare time Rachel enjoys creating her own artwork in various mediums, seeing live music, and spending time with her family.
New Board of Directors
Changes were also 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
- Secretary: Annie Schweiger