IPNC Board of Directors Appoints Interim Executive Director as Plans for the 2024 Event Begin
McMinnville, Oregon – September 13, 2023 – After 20 years at the helm of one of America’s longest-running wine festivals, Amy Wesselman is stepping down from a leadership role at the International Pinot Noir Celebration (IPNC). KC Marold, Oregon wine industry veteran and experienced event producer, has been appointed interim executive director. A national search for a permanent executive director will begin in the spring of 2024.
“Amy’s leadership has set the stage for another 20 years of incredible experiences that highlight the ever-evolving wine industry,” said Thomas Savre, president of the IPNC board of directors and director of winemaking at Lingua Franca. “The IPNC now commands one of the most remarkable lineups of wine experiences, education, and farm-to-table culinary adventures. The wine producers Amy has attracted from around the world are simply unparalleled, and as Amy returns to her winemaking roots, we wish her all the best.”
Wesselman joined the IPNC in 2001 as Executive Director. Under her leadership, the IPNC has grown from a small regional one-day event to a major international full-weekend festival, attracting over 1,200 attendees, winemakers, chefs, and volunteers annually. She has also helped to lay the foundation for the IPNC’s 2024 event, In Technicolor, featuring Domaine des Comtes Lafon and Laurent-Perrier from France, Walt Wines from California, Archery Summit from Oregon, and many more.
“I am so proud of what we have accomplished at the IPNC,” said Wesselman. “It has been an amazing journey, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such talented and dedicated people. With the vision and passion of this board of directors, I am confident the IPNC will continue to thrive for many years to come.”
Marold has worked with the IPNC for the past two years. She has held a variety of international and domestic winemaking and sales roles in the industry, including National Sales & Marketing Director for Winderlea Winery. She is a graduate of Linfield University, the home of IPNC. Marold works and volunteers with local non-profits, including Wine Country Pride.
“The future is bright for IPNC, and I am honored to have been appointed interim executive director,” said Marold. “I am committed to continuing the IPNC’s mission of celebrating Pinot Noir and supporting Oregon and international winemakers. I look forward to working with the board of directors and IPNC staff to make the 2024 event, In Technicolor, our best yet.”
About the IPNC
The International Pinot Noir Celebration offers consumers and industry members an unparalleled selection of Pinot Noir from around the world via a full schedule of seminars, walkaround tastings, winery tours, and unforgettable meals prepared by top Northwest chefs. Held on the beautiful and historic Linfield University campus with a vineyard tour excursion, the IPNC is located in McMinnville, an easy hour drive southwest of Portland in the heart of Oregon wine country. The 2024 event, In Technicolor, will be held July 26-28, 2024. To learn more about the event, visit ipnc.org.
