Carmel outlines changes coming to Christkindlmarkt board structure

Submitted by City of Carmel

Editor’s note: Following the resignation of Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. (CCI) CEO Maria Adele Rosenfeld earlier this year, a debate over control of the market’s Board of Directors has continued, which you can read about on our newsgathering partner WISH-TV’s website. On Tuesday, Carmel city officials announced the nonprofit’s new governance structure.

The City of Carmel and Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. (CCI), the nonprofit organization that manages the annual Carmel Christkindlmarkt event, announced updates on Tuesday to the nonprofit’s governance structure.

According to city officials, these changes were solidified through a collaborative process involving the Mayor’s Office, the City Council, and CCI’s leadership for the mutual benefit of the organization, City and Carmel residents.

Finkam

“I am grateful to the City Council and CCI for their partnership over the past few weeks in identifying a path forward that is advantageous for all involved parties,” Mayor Sue Finkam said. “We are optimistic that these updates will establish a solid foundation for our beloved Christkindlmarkt, ensuring this event will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

The following changes to CCI’s governance structure will be effective on or after July 1, 2025:

• A fifth member will be added to the CCI Board of Directors. This board seat will be nominated by the City Council and appointed by the mayor.
• Current board chair Maddie Augustus will step down from the board after the organization appoints a new CEO or when she begins maternity leave, whichever comes first. The CCI Board of Directors will then appoint a new board chair.
• Following Augustus’ departure, the City Council will submit a nominee for mayoral appointment, restoring the CCI Board of Directors to five members (three appointed directly by the mayor and two nominated by the Council).

At the beginning of 2026, the following actions will be taken:

• Zac Jackson will step off the board.
• CCI will update its articles and bylaws to allow for an eight-person Board of Directors – four members nominated by the Council and appointed by the mayor, and four members directly appointed by the mayor.

Aasen

“The Council’s involvement in the CCI Board of Directors nomination process will create a shared burden of responsibility between our city’s executive and legislative branches to govern one of Carmel’s largest and most successful affiliated entities,” City Council President Adam Aasen said. “This balance will ensure proper stewardship of this incredible community asset and illustrates our shared commitment to continuing to make this event one of the best in the country.  I have no doubt that this year’s Christkindlmarkt will meet or exceed our high standards of excellence.”

As a 501(c)(3) Type I supporting organization, CCI must be operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization, the City of Carmel. This is typically accomplished by giving the supported organization the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the organization’s board of directors.

Beginning in 2026, under the new governance structure, the Mayor’s Office will continue to directly appoint four members to the CCI board, while the City Council will assume the responsibility of nominating the remaining four board members. Council nominees will be approved via majority vote during a Carmel City Council meeting.

“The Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s exponential growth over the past several years has created the need for a more robust organizational structure,” CCI’s Acting CEO Julia Davis said. “These governance updates will support our continued focus on planning for the 2025 Market and beyond. We look forward to bringing the Market’s magic back to Carter Green in November.”

Planning for the 2025 Carmel Christkindlmarkt is ongoing, and all efforts remain on schedule thanks to CCI’s experienced, dedicated and talented staff. Opening day for the Market will be Nov. 22, 2025.