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Officers & World Board of Directors

The IFEA World Board of Directors is an elected, non-compensated body of industry professionals responsible for overseeing the successful operations of the IFEA. In addition to approving policy and direction, Board members serve as an active and involved industry leadership advisory source to the President & CEO. Members proactively support IFEA programs and visions through their input, use of their professional networks on behalf of the association, and personal participation in association programs and activities.

KAREN CHURCHARD, CFEE
IFEA WORLD BOARD CHAIR
Tourism & Events Director, City of Scottsdale
Scottsdale, AZ

JAZELLE JONES
IFEA WORLD BOARD CHAIR-ELECT
Deputy Managing Director / Director of Operations
City of Philadelphia Office of Special Events
Philadelphia, PA

JOE VERA, CFEE
IFEA WORLD BOARD SECRETARY
Assistant City Manager
City of McAllen
McAllen, TX

DIANA MAYHEW, CFEE -
IFEA WORLD BOARD IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
President, National Cherry Blossom Festival
Washington, D.C.

BOB BRYANT
President/CEO
500 Festival
Indianapolis IN

CASSIE DISPENZA - CHAIR - IFEA FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Saffire
Austin, TX

DAVID EADS
Executive Director/CEO
Pasadena Tournament of Roses
Pasadena, CA

MATT GIBSON
President & CEO
Kentucky Derby Festival
Louisville, KY

WARWICK HALL, CFEE
Operational Risk Consultant
Safety Set Consulting
Section 646
Taupo, New Zealand

STEPHEN KING, CFEE
Executive Director
Des Moines Arts Festival
Des Moines, IA

SAM LEMHENEY, CFEE
President
Creative Event Solutions, Inc.
West Chester, PA

CINDY LERICK, CFEE
Founder & CEO
Art of Events, LLC.
Aurora, MN

BILL O'TOOLE, CFEE
Events Development Specialist
Event Project Management System Pty., Ltd.
Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE
President/CEO
International Festivals & Events Association
Boise, ID

VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE
President & CEO
DFEST®
San Antonio, TX

KELI O'NEILL WENZEL, CFEE
President/CEO
O'Neill Events & Marketing Management
Kansas City, MO