Announcing FAI's New Executive Director, Jennifer Roe

April 16, 2024

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“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Roe as Folk Alliance International's Executive Director. With Jennifer's deep knowledge of Folk Alliance International and her passion and dedication to the folk community, she is uniquely qualified to lead us, bringing about a new chapter for the organization. We are so grateful to Jennifer, and we look forward to the work she'll do both with and for our members and the folk community at large.” says FAI’s Board President, Ashley Shabankareh, adding, “We are so excited to have Jennifer at the helm of the organization!”

Roe’s career began in Washington, D.C., where she worked on Capitol Hill for the U.S. Senate Majority Leader before transitioning to serve on a Presidential campaign. She continued in the public sector at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission before managing the office of a small lobbying firm.

After returning to her roots in Kansas City, Roe shifted gears, working with individuals with disabilities and eventually establishing an administrative services business, where FAI became a valued client.

With a passion for folk music, Roe joined the FAI team full time in 2013. She assumed a pivotal role in leading FAI's staff and contractors and overseeing the day-to-day operations. Her dedication to the organization reflects her commitment to fostering the rich tapestry of folk music and sustaining a vibrant, interconnected community. With a political background prior to FAI, she is a strong advocate for arts and culture at both federal and state levels.

Under Roe’s guidance, FAI's global network has expanded to include more than 3,000 members—a diverse community of cultural sector entrepreneurs and leaders encompassing artists, record companies, publishers, presenters, agents, managers, arts administrators, diplomats, and more. Her long history with the organization has stabilized operations and funding over her tenure. At FAI, Roe previously worked under Executive Directors Louis Meyers, Aengus Finnan, and Neeta Ragoowansi. Under Jennifer’s experienced leadership, the organization will continue to grow in diversity and service of the membership including scholarships, enhancing FAI’s regional chapters, and advocating strongly for the rights and interests of the independent music sector.

“Taking on the Executive Director position at Folk Alliance International is a thrilling opportunity. I love this community, and I am excited to continue to work with our dedicated team and board to serve our membership. I am ready to embrace the challenges and seize the opportunities in this role as we work to advance the strategic plan. I am honored to lead an organization that celebrates cultural diversity, promotes artistic expression, and cultivates a community united by the power of music.” said Roe.

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