Sharon McAllister, Executive Director, ArtFest Fort Myers, Inc., Ft. Myers, FL

Sharon McAllister has been involved in large-scale outdoor events for the past 15 years. Ten years ago, she was asked to form a not-for-profit organization to take over a diminishing art & craft show and transform it into a nationally recognized juried fine art festival. ArtFest Fort Myers was born; this community event has grown to attract over 900 artists for 200 available spots; 60,000 attendees; fund art outreach programs at all levels of education from elementary school to college and is Fort Myers' largest 2-day festival. In addition to Sharon’s dedication to ArtFest Fort Myers, she recently completed her tenure as the Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors of the FFEA and Chair of the FFEA Art Festival Affinity Group. She currently serves on the City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee, the Fort Myers Conference and Convention Board, is involved in a variety of City planning activities and provides guidance for other events.