Achievers & Accolades

Fayetteville Dogwood Festival announces 2026–2027 Board of Directors

By Staff Report, posted 3 weeks ago
Graphic provided by the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival is proud to announce its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, welcoming 17 community leaders who will help guide the organization as it continues its mission of bringing free, accessible arts, entertainment and community experiences to Fayetteville and Cumberland County.

The Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Board of Directors is more than a governing body, it is a working board. Members volunteer countless hours throughout the year, working alongside the executive director and volunteers to support events, build community partnerships and help bring the organization's programs to life.

“Our Board members aren't simply names on a roster or votes around a table,” said Executive Director of the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival Kaylynn Suarez in a press release. “They show up. They sweat. They work long hours alongside our volunteers because they believe in what Dogwood means to this community. Every person brings a different perspective, skill set and connection to Fayetteville, but they are united by a shared commitment to serving our community.”

2026–2027 Executive Board of Directors

Isabella DePietro — Chairwoman

Amber Little — Vice Chairwoman

Tara Long — Treasurer

Brad Johnson — Secretary

Jackie Tuckey — Immediate Past Chairwoman

2026–2027 Board of Directors

Jenny Schleusener

Brent Underwood

Darrell Purcell

Cameron Carlotti

Jackie DeJesus-McGill

Anthony Peterson

Randy Scott

Shelli Shaver

Ashley Salas

Sara Ballard

Travis Lowry

Mark Wilderman

The incoming Board will help lead the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival into an especially significant season as the organization prepares for the 45th Annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival on April 23rd-25th 2027, while continuing to expand its year-round programming and community impact.

For more than four decades, the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival has been a community tradition centered around bringing people together through music, arts, culture, local businesses, vendors and shared experiences. The organization remains committed to providing free-to-attend programming while creating opportunities for artists, small businesses, community organizations, sponsors, volunteers, and residents to connect.

“The next chapter of Dogwood is about honoring the tradition that got us here while continuing to grow what this organization can do for Fayetteville,” Suarez said in a press release. “With this Board beside us, we're excited about what's ahead.”

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