Sandra Gibson Steps Down After a 5-Year Tenure.
The Maryland Film Festival and the SNF Parkway Theatre announced that Sandra Gibson, executive director of both entities, will step down from her dual positions as of December 31, 2023. As a result of a recent reassessment, the MdFF Board of Trustees and Gibson have mutually agreed that MdFF and the SNF Parkway are now well-positioned to address new post-pandemic challenges in exploring and implementing a new direction with new leadership.
“During her five years here, Sandra brought an innovative vision and authentic enthusiasm to our efforts, and we are most appreciative,” shared Scot Spencer, Chair Board of Directors
Spencer added “The 2020 pandemic forced the film festival and the theater to shuttle live operations, significantly causing it to downsize operations. Despite various limitations, Gibson oversaw the first-ever virtual Maryland Film Festival, which included more than 150 films and attracted viewers from all 50 states and secured the organization’s first-ever National Endowment for the Arts grants for the festival and a signature artist-in-residence program.”
Gibson stated, “I had the great honor and pleasure to serve in this dual capacity over the last challenging five years. Having achieved various personal goals when I assumed the helm, now is an optimal time for transition to new leadership and advancing the institution’s new direction.”
“I am so impressed by the dedication of people in Baltimore and beyond to support film, filmmakers, and small theatres like the Parkway. I am confident that the Maryland Film Festival will continue to set the standard for bringing fascinating films to the general public. I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to be a part of that legacy.”
Board of Trustees Chair Scot Spencer said an interim director will be announced shortly as the search for a permanent director begins.