The Mission Folk Music Festival Society has announced the appointment of Michelle Demers-Shaevitz as general manager.
“Michelle’s energy and experience will be a great help to us,” said Francis Xavier Edwards, artistic director of the festival. “She literally began her career with the festival, volunteering for 25 years in the area of performer services. More recently she has been leading our coordinator team.”
After a decade working in Student Services for University of the Fraser Valley and Simon Fraser University, Demers-Shaevitz spent three years as a program coordinator with Northwest Folklife in Seattle and recently joined their board of directors. She also has organizing experience with Vancouver CelticFest, Vancouver Global Comedy Festival, Festival du Bois and other performing arts events.
“I’m excited to continue my work with the festival in this new role,” said Demers-Shaevitz. “I’m passionate about the music that Francis has brought to Mission all these years, and happy to support the work of this committed team of volunteers.”
Board chair John Vissers is delighted Demers-Shaevitz is joining the management team.
“With the addition of a general manager we’ll be able to do much needed outreach and fundraising to prepare for our 30th anniversary in 2017, which is also Mission City’s 125th anniversary and Canada’s 150th.”
The 29th annual Mission Folk Music Festival runs July 22-24, 2016 at Fraser River Heritage Park. For more information about the festival or becoming a volunteer contact info@missionfolk.ca or call 604-826-5937.
