Charleston Literary Festival Names New Executive Director

Moriarty (Credit: Jay Millard)

The Charleston Literary Festival today announced the appointment of Sarah Moriarty as its new Executive Director, along with a series of changes to its Board of Directors. 

Charleston Literary Festival is a literary festival that takes place every November. The Festival boasts a program of national and international authors, celebrating the power of literature to change people’s perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.

“We are delighted to have Sarah Moriarty at the helm of Charleston Literary Festival as Executive Director,” said Walter Fiederowicz, the newly-appointed Board Chair. “Her extensive academic and professional background, love for literature, and leadership skills make her the ideal choice to lead the Festival and its evolution from a small start-up to an important cultural fixture in Charleston. Our November 2022 Festival was a major milestone in the Festival’s growth, and Sarah’s expertise will help us continue that success, offering a mix of high quality and diverse programming that will ensure Charleston Literary Festival is recognized as a national and international forum for books, ideas, and conversation.”

Moriarty, who previously held the position of Director of Marketing for the Festival, is a branding specialist and marketing creative. She graduated from Trinity College Dublin, where she earned a BA in Literature, and Freie Universität Berlin, where she received an MA in the same field. Before her move from Berlin to Charleston in October 2021, she was the Global Director of Brand at Blinkist, a company in the audiobook publishing industry.

“I am so honored to be in a position to steward Charleston Literary Festival into its next phase.” Moriarty said. “It is invigorating to work with an organization so close to my lifelong passion for books and to have the opportunity to contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of this city. Books can change how we view the world. As Charleston Literary Festival moves into its next chapter (pun intended!), we aim to create diverse spaces that embrace, amplify, and share perspective-altering ideas.”

In addition to Moriarty’s appointment, philanthropist Laura Gates has been welcomed to the Board of Directors. Her experience includes being Chair of the SELC/Southern Environmental Law Center, past Chair of the Coastal Conservation League, the Gibbes Museum of Art, and the Board of Trustees of Wellesley College. She currently serves on the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation board and the Preservation Society of Charleston.

Lastly, the Festival leadership is repositioning as the Festival continues to gain popularity with readers worldwide”

• Walter Fiederowicz has been appointed Chair of the Board

• Wenda Harris Millard has been appointed Vice Chair of the Board

• Deborah Gage has been elevated to Founder and Chair Emerita

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