Macon's Cherry Blossom Festival introduced a new leader for the 30-year-old organization.
Richard Brewer was hired as CEO to replace Karen Lambert who served as head of the festival since 2009 but left to take over the Peyton Anderson Foundation.
A certified festival executive, Brewer comes to Macon from Charleston, SC, where he has run Variety Services, LLC, since 1982. That same year he co-founded the Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which has become a $3 million nonprofit event spanning nine days and involving half a million visitors.
"Macon is truly a unique place where the quality of life is enhanced by outstanding events created by its people through their vision, their passion, and an extraordinary group of volunteers," Brewer said in a Thursday press release.
The Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission, financially co-dependent on the festival, also announced its new leader, Pamela Carswell, Ed. D.
A Macon native, Carswell comes off a 34-year career in the Bibb County Public Schools, 18 of which as a principal. Most recently, she served as principal of Weaver Middle School, which was designated a Title I Distinguished School in 2010.
She believes her educational background will help improve public awareness of the need for a "clean and safe environment."
"I want to go into the school," Carswell said in a press release, "and teach children the importance of taking care of our environment and what they can do to help.
Carswell has been involved in the Cherry Blossom Festival since 1999, including a two-year stint with her husband as Royal Court Chairs.
The 31st International Cherry Blossom Festival won't take place until March 15-24, 2013, but Levee Fest, a barbeque and music event run by the festival, returns to Central City Park this September 29.