Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival and the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission, in Georgia, announce a national search for a dynamic, versatile, and experienced senior administrator to

serve at the executive officer for these two significant organizations. Serving as President and CEO of Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival and Executive Director of the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission, this highly visible community leader is responsible for overall management and direction of the award-winning festival and commission, ensuring the success and financial strength of the organizations that have a significant impact on the local community.

and stillthe PINKEST

party on earth!

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announces a national search for the

President and CEO,Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival,

and Executive Director,

Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission

The OpportunityAmong the responsibilities for this dual leadership position are• Administration of the two organizations,

including supervision of staff and development

of policies and procedures that ensure an

effective and efficient operation

• Development and management of an annual

budget for the long-term success and financial

stability

• Generation of revenue for the operations and

festival budgets, such as securing corporate and

organization sponsorships, public and private

grants, and direct funding from individuals

• The ability to sustain present donors and

cultivate new donors for financial support to

meet the goals of the two organizations

• Establishment of a planned giving program

• Sustainment of a positive and visible role for the

Festival and the Commission in the community

through the media, publications, web presence,

speaking engagements and active involvement

in community activities

• Overall festival direction, including creative

theme, contract negotiations, budget

management, and programming

• Cultivate and maintain relations with city and

county officials and governments

• Promotion and brand protection

• Monthly and annual reports to the Cherry

Blossom Festival Board of Directors and Keep

Macon-Bibb Beautiful Board of Commissioners

• Identification and recruitment of board

members for both organizations

RequirementsThis opportunity offers a competitive salary and benefits. Festival or related experience is preferred, but not required. Experience working

with governmental agencies will be useful. The search committee will evaluate applicants for their potential for festival leadership.

Candidates should have or should acquire:

• Effectiveness in generating revenue through

community support and corporate sponsorships

• Administrative leadership in the development

and management of staff and volunteers

• Good oral and written communication skills

• Experience in the management of budgets

• Abilities and skills to promote and increase

visibility of the Festival and Commission on the

local, regional and national level

• Skills in programming and negotiations of contracts

• Abilities to establish a network of contacts that

ensures high-quality programming

The Commission and the Festival

Created in 1974, the Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission (KMBBC) is recognized as the model program for the nation’s first commission under the Keep America Beautiful, Inc. Systems. The Commission established the International Cherry Blossom Festival in 1983 as its beautification/signature event.

www.cherryblossom.com

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The Cherry Blossom Festival

Now in its 30th year, Macon’s International Cherry Blossom Festival is a 501(c)3 community economic development organization that has an estimated economic impact of more than $19 million on the local area.

The Festival staff plans, organizes and implements activities, events, and festivals that create economic opportunities for Macon and the central Georgia business community while promoting community spirit. The Festival’s awarding-winning signature event, held in March, celebrates the blossoming of city’s 300,000 Yoshino cherry trees.

Attracting an average of 300,000 participants each year, this 10-day festival features more than 500 events, of which 80 percent are free. Participants delight in the splendor of hot-air balloons, a colorful parade, historic tours,

www.cherryblossom.com

special shows, dazzling fireworks displays, and amusement rides that delight all ages. Nightly concerts feature top recording artists from every musical genre. From fashion shows and gala balls to dancing in the streets, the Festival features fun and adventure under the beautiful canopy of blooming Yoshino cherry trees.

The quality and appeal of the Cherry Blossom Festival has been recognized through numerous honors and awards:

• Named a 2012 Top 100 Event by the American

Bus Association

• Named a 2012 Top 20 Event in the Southeast by

Southeast Tourism Society

• Best Festival winner by the Southeast Regional

Festivals and Events Association in 2005, 2007,

and 2008

• Shining Example Award for Best Festival in 2006

and 2007 by the Southeast Tourism Society

• Grand Pinnacle Award winner for the Best

Overall Festival in the budget of $500,000 to $1.5

million by the International Festival and Events

Association in 2004 and 2007

• Named to the 2007 World Events Calendar

New Festival Events

Over the past three years, the Festival has added events that occur throughout the year:

• The Cherry Blossom Drop on New Year’s Eve

• The Levee Fest, Macon’s Fall barbecue and music

festival

• The Halluva Auction, held in partnership with

the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and NewTown

Macon

• Broadway in Bloom, a performing arts event

• High-Heels for the Cure, held in partnership with

the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

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Painting for the 30th Anniversity of the Cherry Blossom Festival by nationally

celebrated artist Steve Penley

www.cherryblossom.com

Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission

The Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Commission is 501(c)1 organization that is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. The mission is to improve the quality of life in the community through litter prevention, recycling, and beautification. The Commission promotes annual activities of tree plantings and give-aways, river cleanup, and environmental friendly recycling. Many of these activities are accomplished through a private-public partnership with Macon, Bibb County, and federal and state agencies and programs.

About Macon, Georgia

Macon offers large city amenities and true Southern charm. The population of the historic city is an estimated 93,000, and the metropolitan area is almost 230,000.

A popular tourist destination, Macon is known for its beautiful homes and cultural events and attractions. Among the notable attractions are the Ocmulgee National Monument & Indian Mounds, the Tubman African American Museum, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Museum of Arts and Sciences.

The cultural arts are strongly supported by the community and the area's health care facilities are among the best in the state. Macon is a center for higher education, with five public and private colleges and universities.

THE CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL AND KEEP MACON-BIBB

BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION ARE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Application Process

Candidate applications and are now being accepted. Myers McRae is assisting with this executive search. To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to:

CherryBlossom@myersmcrae.com

Confidential inquiries are welcomed. Contact the Myers McRae Executive Search Consultant: Emily Myers, President & CEO, at emilymyers@myersmcrae.com.

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MYERS McRAE

515 Mulberry Street, Suite 200

Macon, Georgia 31201

www.MyersMcRae.com