Janyce Hazlett, Co-Founder and President of the Festival of Lights board for nearly two decades, retired after the organization’s Holiday Kick-Off Party last Thanksgiving weekend. Her long-time dedication is sorely missed and her service to the organization will be appreciated for years to come—and never more than now, while a new board plans an annual event under current circumstances.
The members of the Festival of Lights board who took office in the first quarter of this year commit to this community effort and dedicate their time and expertise as local business owners.
The new President of the Festival of Lights board is Rafi Isaac, Owner of South Mountain Films. Dawn Matesi is Vice President in charge of sponsorships. She is a Realtor and Associate Broker with United Brokers Group. Aaron and Janine Moeller, Co-Owners of PostNet, serve as Vice President of Operations and FOL board Secretary, respectively.
FOL Treasurer Karen Kruse is the owner of Books Smart Solutions, a book-keeping firm; Jeffri-Lynn Campbell, Owner of Blaze Experts branding agency, serves as Marketing Director with the assistance of Jay Taylor, Owner of Summit Public Relations and Marketing. Deb Hoover, a retired Kyrene teacher and part-time substitute, is FOL’s Entertainment and Silent Auction Coordinator; and Beverage Director Christopher Kracht is the enterprise effectiveness lead at Avnet.
The new board members are collectively focused on developing systems and processes that will assist in taking the organization forward through automation. With a methodical approach and centralized information, the board hopes to ease communication and enhance effectiveness and efficiency as projects are handed off to one another for execution.
“We want to continue to grow our events that provide entertainment for the community and funds for our Million White Lights,” Matesi said.
Most information is published here on the folaz.org website first, and the board will be available for connection at their new office at Office Evolution, 4435 E. Chandler Blvd. to easier connect with the community when Shelter in Place orders lift and it is safe to welcome visitors.
Board members are still planning the 25th annual Wine, Beer & Culinary Festival at Foothills Golf Club and hope to pull it off in June. Return to folaz.org often for updates.