NC Azalea Festival begins search for new executive director

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After nearly 20 years with the North Carolina Azalea Festival, Alison Baringer is no longer serving as the festival’s executive director.

The executive director position is now being advertised publicly, with the job posted on LinkedIn as the festival begins its search for new leadership.

WWAY reached out to the North Carolina Azalea Festival for additional details. In an email, Michael Franklin, the 2026 board president, said he will lead festival staff as preparations continue for this year’s event.

“For nearly 20 years, Alison has been of service to the festival, first as a volunteer, then office manager and for the past decade, as Executive Director. We would like to thank her for the time and energy she dedicated to North Carolina’s largest festival,” Franklin said.

Franklin said the festival has launched a search for a new executive director and plans to have a replacement in place before the festival begins in April.

Franklin said many major decisions for the upcoming festival were finalized months ago, and thousands of volunteers, many of whom have been involved for years, will continue guiding events as planned.

“We are lucky to live in a community that has been continuously growing for decades. The festival has grown and matured alongside our community. We are excited to bring in an executive director who will bring new energy, organization, and perspective to our staff and volunteers,” Franklin said in a statement.

WWAY has also reached out to Baringer about the transition and has not heard back.

The NC Azalea Festival runs April 8 – 12.