Festival Appoints New Executive Director
SARAH MORIARTY APPOINTED CLF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Sarah Moriarty as our new Executive Director, along with a series of changes to its Board of Directors. Accordingly, Ms. Moriarty will be taking on the role with immediate effect.
You can find a link to our Board & Staff page HERE.
"We are delighted to have Sarah Moriarty at the helm of Charleston Literary Festival as Executive Director. Her extensive academic and professional background, love for literature, and leadership skills make her the ideal choice to lead the Festival and its evolution from a small start-up to an important cultural fixture in Charleston," says Walter Fiederowicz, newly-appointed Chair. "Our November 2022 Festival was a major milestone in the Festival's growth, and Sarah's expertise will help us continue that success, offering a mix of high quality and diverse programming that will ensure Charleston Literary Festival is recognized as a national and international forum for books, ideas, and conversation."
Sarah Moriarty
CLF’s Newly Appointed Executive Director
Moriarty, who previously held the position of Director of Marketing for the Festival, is a branding specialist and marketing creative. She graduated from Trinity College Dublin, where she earned a BA in Literature, and Freie Universität Berlin, where she received an MA in the same field. Sarah's interests include modern Irish Drama, literature in exile, and the writings of Samuel Beckett. Before her move from Berlin to Charleston in October 2021, she was the Global Director of Brand at Blinkist, a company in the audiobook publishing industry that blended her love of literature with her career.
"I am so honored to be in a position to steward Charleston Literary Festival into its next phase. It is invigorating to work with an organization so close to my lifelong passion for books and to have the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of this city," said Moriarty. "Books can change how we view the world. As Charleston Literary Festival moves into its next chapter (pun intended!), we aim to create diverse spaces that embrace, amplify, and share perspective-altering ideas."
With this new leadership comes a strong re-commitment to Charleston Literary Festival's emphasis on literary excellence and dedication to expanding the Festival's student initiatives.
BROADENING EXPERTISE ON THE FESTIVAL BOARD
In addition to Moriarty's appointment, Laura Gates has been welcomed to the Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. She is an esteemed community leader and philanthropist. Her experience includes being Chair of the SELC/Southern Environmental Law Center, past Chair of the Coastal Conservation League, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the Board of Trustees of Wellesley College. She currently serves on the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation board and the Preservation Society of Charleston.
ELEVATING EXISTING BOARD MEMBERS OF THE FESTIVAL
Lastly, the Festival leadership is repositioning as the Festival continues to gain popularity with readers worldwide.
Walter Fiederowicz has been appointed Chair of the Board
Wenda Harris Millard has been appointed Vice Chair of the Board
Deborah Gage has been elevated to Founder and Chair Emerita