A month after Charleston Wine + Food Festival told City Paper about the departure of Director of Communications Cathryn Zommer, they’ve announced her replacement. Festival Executive Director Gillian Zettler says Laura Kate Whitney has been hired for the new role of Marketing and Communications Director.
According to Zettler, Whitney has been involved in the festival since 2006 working in a variety of capacities as a vendor, served on various committees, and since 2008 has been serving on a contract basis in guest relations and ticketing.
Whitney currently lives in Birmingham, Ala. where she’s the Chief Connector at Dogtrot, a creative house specializing in PR, marketing, and design. There she’s handled clients like REV Birmingham, PNC, Jones Valley Teaching Farm, and Birmingham Business Alliance. A self declared late bloomer, Whitney gave a TEDxBirmingham talk titled “Your Time Will Come” where she compared her own delayed growth with that of the city’s struggles.
Regarding the new role, Whitney says, “Through the hard work of many individuals over the last 10 years, Charleston Wine + Food truly has established itself as a leading culinary destination, and I can’t wait to share that story as the festival continues to grow its engagement with a global audience. My love for the festival and this city is boundless. I’m beyond excited to return to Charleston.”
Zettler says Whitney was a natural choice, adding, “She injects positivity, passion and unparalleled energy into everything she does. We are so proud to have her step into this new role and can’t wait to have her back in the Lowcountry,”
Whitney will begin her work with Charleston Wine + Food immediately and will be moving to Charleston full-time on August 1.
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