Duncan named director of Dogwood Arts Festival

Lisa C. Duncan, a 25-year Knoxville media marketing executive and a board member of the Dogwood Arts Festival, will be the new executive director of the 49-year-old organization effective June 9.

Duncan was selected following a national search, according to a news release issued Thursday.

She is presently director of marketing for the News Sentinel and co-chair for the upcoming 50th anniversary festival next year.

"The board of directors is extremely pleased to be able to have one of our own head up this extremely important organization in East Tennessee," said Ken Knight, chairman of the Dogwood Arts Board.

As a longtime supporter of the Dogwood Arts Festival, she has served in a variety of positions including volunteer advisor, marketing and communications committee member, media and presenting sponsor, board advisor and board member. She also has been a volunteer for nearly 30 years with other nonprofit groups such as United Way and the Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce.

A native of Indiana, she received a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee in 1982. She is married to Dan Duncan, a premier cabinet maker and artist who has exhibited his work at several Dogwood Arts Festival events over the years. They have three children.