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Matthews will separate special‑events manager role from Matthews Alive executive director
Summary
The board voted to split the two-decade-old dual role that combined a town special-events manager with the executive director of Matthews Alive; the change, meant to reduce liability and clarify lines between town staff and the nonprofit, takes effect September 2026.
The Board of Commissioners voted March 23 to split a long-standing dual role that combined the town’s special-events manager with the executive director role at Matthews Alive, the nonprofit that runs the Matthews Alive festival.
Town Manager Malia James explained the arrangement dates to 2006 and that the recommended change would "create some lines of discretion between the staff that is currently working for the town as well as the executive director of Matthews Alive." Corey King, who supports the proposal, called the nonprofit "fully independent" and said the town’s operational support for the festival would continue but the organizations would recruit separate leaders.
Mayor Pro Tem Susan Chambers moved to transition the positions; the motion identified September 2026 as the effective date and carried unanimously.
Why it matters: separating the positions is intended to limit liability, clarify responsibilities between town staff and the nonprofit’s board, and allow Matthews Alive to recruit a dedicated executive director while preserving town support for the festival.
Next step: staff will implement the personnel changes and report back on recruitment and any budget implications.
