Resignation, lawsuit highlight behind-the-scenes clashes over Carmel Christkindlmarkt

By TIM SPEARS
WISH-TV | wishtv.com

As the sights, sounds and shops of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt drew nearly 10,000 visitors a day in 2024, the behind the scenes of the Christmastime market would soon drive away its CEO of eight years, Maria Adele Rosenfeld.

“This board does not want me in this role … I have been excluded from key decisions … My leadership as CEO has been undermined,” Rosenfeld told the market’s board of directors in a resignation letter obtained by News 8.

The resignation comes the same week a former Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. board member, Susan McDermott, filed a lawsuit against the Carmel city government and Republican Mayor Sue Finkam.

The mayor in October replaced McDermott, first appointed by Finkam in January 2024, and another board member, claiming they weren’t promptly providing financial information.

The lawsuit claims the mayor removed the two from Carmel Christkindlmarkt Inc. so the market could adopt a new operating agreement handing more control to the city.

Republican Carmel Common Council member Jeff Worrell told News 8 that McDermott “claims and is adamant she did everything she was asked to do. When I ask Mayor Finkam about that, I get answers that are unclear.”

McDermott’s removal also led off a list of grievances Rosenfeld noted in her resignation letter.

Rosenfeld’s letter says, “I was excluded from discussions regarding the termination of two board members and the appointment of new board members. I knew nothing about those changes until after they happened.”

Rosenfeld declined News 8’s request for an interview.

Following the mayor’s October shakeup of the board, the City Council formed an Affiliate Review Committee to examine the market’s operations. But, Worrell worries, it’s been too focused on financials, while the market’s dysfunctions seem to stem from soured relationships.

“Something broke down a year ago, and we are where we are now because of that,” Worrell said.

The council member went on to describe the committee’s findings thus far as “one-sided,” saying it appears to be concentrated on tackling issues the mayor is interested in talking about.

McDermott’s attorneys, the city, and Finkam declined to comment on the lawsuit.

Rosenfeld’s resignation letter went on to suggest the current board holds multiple conflicts of interest, including Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Johnson being appointed to the board in December.

Finkam commended Rosenfeld’s tenure in a statement and said the city is looking for an interim and long-term CEO.

“With planning for this year’s event already underway, we remain committed to honoring the market’s legacy while embracing new opportunities to enhance and grow this cherished tradition for years to come,” the statement said.

The council will hear the review committee’s latest report at its regular meeting Monday, May 5.

This story was originally published by WISH-TV at wishtv.com/news/i-team-8/carmel-christkindlmarkt-ceo-resignation.