NC Azalea Festival names new executive director

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Azalea Festival has named Melissa Lasarsky as its new executive director.

Festival officials announced Monday that Lasarsky brings more than 18 years of experience in marketing, communications and large-scale event leadership to the role.

Lasarsky has led initiatives and community-centered events within K–12 public charter organizations and nonprofit environments. Her background includes strategic brand alignment, stakeholder engagement and fundraising communications.

A North Carolina native, Lasarsky grew up visiting Wilmington and relocated to the city in 2025. Festival leaders said she brings both a personal connection to the region and professional experience in leading large-scale events.

As executive director, Lasarsky will help advance the Festival’s mission to be nationally recognized as a showcase for the community’s artwork, gardens, history and culture through recreational, educational and family-oriented events.

Lasarsky is a graduate of North Carolina State University and holds a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from University of North Carolina Wilmington.

“The North Carolina Azalea Festival represents the very best of who we are as a community,” Lasarsky said in a statement. “It is an honor to build upon its remarkable legacy while thoughtfully stewarding what blooms next.”