The Charleston Wine + Food (CHSWF) Board of Directors this week announced that Alyssa Maute Smith is the organization’s new Executive Director. The board said they made the decision following a national search that elicited applications from 70-plus individuals.
“The process yielded applications from many amazing individuals with sharp skills and diverse backgrounds,” said Mamie Bush, board chair. “As strong as the pool was, we make this decision with absolute confidence that Alyssa is the right choice for the future of this organization. We have been extraordinarily impressed by Alyssa's passion, her skill and her results in the months since being named to the interim role.”
Smith, a native Charlestonian, stepped into the Interim role in April of 2022, after serving as the organization’s Marketing and Communications Director for six years.
“I am proud and excited to step into the role of the Festival's Executive Director,” said Smith. “I appreciate the board's trust in me and look forward to working with them to further strengthen the organization's work within our community. This is the city where I was born and helping to integrate this amazing Festival more fully with my beloved hometown is an honor I do not take lightly.”
Smith says her priorities for the near future include executing “an exceptionally strong and revitalized” festival in March, stabilizing the organization's year-round revenue sources, and deepening relationships and impact in the community.
Entering its 17th Festival season, CHSWF will take place from March 1st to 5th. Visit charlestonwineandfood.com for more info.
