The 2008 Kansas City Irish Fest board of directors is in place and introductions are in order...this time in two cases. We voted at our last meeting to expand the board by one to reflect the ever expanding Irish Fest and the demands on our time and talents. Returning for 2008 are old geezers and founding members Ed Scanlon, serving his final year as president, Ed Follis, and yours truly. Slightly less geezerly, at least in tenure, are returning board members Rory O'Connor and Ronan Collins. Also back are the ever youthful and always lovely Mary Alice Beebe and last year's rookie Erin Kiekbusch.
And filling out the expanded 2008 roster are two fine people plucked from the ranks of our own staff:
Laren Mahoney has been a behind-the-scenes dynamo at the Kansas City Irish Fest the past few years. Through her "other job" with Kansas City's Convention and Visitors Association, Laren has been instrumental (by which I mean "wholly responsible") in making the Kansas City Irish Fest a regional and national vacation destination. Our 2007 Festival MVP Award winner, Laren never slows down, never runs out of great innovative ideas to move KCIF forward, and never seems to stop smiling. Often mentioned here in Tir na Blog as "my buddy Laren", she's going to be a huge asset to the board and we're thrilled to welcome her into our ranks. She also decreases the median geezer level substantially. Congratulations, buddy!
Barney Walsh is one of the founders and driving forces behind our invaluable Site Host committee, they of the bright gold shirts at Irish Fest. But beyond that, Barney has quickly become the go-to guy in nearly all aspects of the Fest (including stints as guest blogger), with a knowledge base, interest and an enthusiasm for Irish Fest which is second to absolutely none, present company included. During the discussion at our meeting of potential board nominees, Barney was described accurately as someone who's cool headed, always willing to look at all sides of an issue, thoughtful and dedicated. I think every single person on our board and staff would agree and add the phrase "good friend" to those platitudes. I also feel confident that Barney knows these are the last nice things I will ever say about him in public.
We're excited to welcome both our new comrades and are looking forward to a great 2008. A round of applause please for our new board members.
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5 comments:
How freaking exciting! Congrats to Laren and Barney! I could think of no one better suited to be new board members!
Cami
Congrats Site Host #1, I am extremely proud of you ( and Laren, too). You are both more than deserving of this opportunity!
----Site Host #2
Hats off the the Board for such great additions to your ranks. Laren and Barney will work hard and have fun doing it....just like the rest of you.
Barbara
drinks on Laren tomorrow night at o'dowd's.
You have an awesome board. Congratulations to Barney and Laren both.
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