Wichita Festivals, Inc. has announced that its president and CEO, Mary Beth Jarvis, will be stepping down this summer.
Jarvis, 50, has led the Wichita River Festival since 2012 and has directed the growth of the event over that time. A press release said that Wichita Festivals’ total revenue is up by 44 percent over the past year years, led by Riverfest button revenues and cash sponsorships, while attendance has been up more than 50 percent and volunteer numbers have doubled.
Jarvis said leading the organization has been an energizing, satisfying privilege, and the next CEO will get to work every day planning events while serving under a dynamic board and working alongside a dedicated staff and volunteer force. She said new perspectives and ideas have helped WFI stay relevant and find success over the decades.
A search committee will be looking for a new CEO. Jarvis will serve through the 2019 Riverfest and will help with the transition to a new leader.
Riverfest runs from May 31st through June 8th.
