Enzian bids a loving farewell today to our longtime Director of Marketing and Development, Ms. Shannon Lacek. Having started out as my Filmmaker Liaison seven (!) Florida Film Festivals ago, Shan quickly demonstrated the smarts, organizational skills, and passion for film that would earn her the Marketing Director job upon the festival's conclusion. That she stayed in the position and greatly expanded upon it with additional development and adminstrative reponsibilities over the next 6+ years was a godsend for both Enzian and the Festival, increasing our profile not only locally and nationally, but internationally as well.

We used to joke that after five different Marketing Directors in the nearly five years I'd been here full-time prior to 2001 (it's not me, I swear), that role in the organization was kind of like the drummer in Spinal Tap. But once Shan came on board and brought stability to the position, the theater and festival grew to be even more relevant and culturally important for the Central Florida community.

I know as well as the next person about the 7-year (professional) itch, and sometimes you just have to make a change and scratch it. It's been a real pleasure working with such a talented individual all these years, and a blast travelling to Toronto and Sundance over and over again (with every lodging situation imaginable) as partners spreading the gospel about Enzian.

Good luck and best wishes Shan for whatever comes next. You'll be missed.

--Matthew

Best of luck, Shannon. We'll miss you!

Thanks, MC! And to quote Jennifer Coolidge in Best in Show, "Likewise, I'm sure!"

It has truly been an amazing ride and I will miss you all terribly!