Staff

Tommy Barnes
He//Him
Assistant Director of Administration
Tommy Barnes has served at the Festival Center since 2008. He holds an associate degree in Computer Science from the University of the District of Columbia. Previously Tommy served…

Dcs. Lindsay Fertig-Johnson
She//Her
Director of Development & Public Relations
Lindsay Fertig-Johnson is a Lutheran deaconess and fundraising professional passionate about building and sustaining relationships. She is currently the Director of…

Dawn Longenecker
She//Her
Director of Administration
Dawn Longenecker has served The Festival Center since 2007. She started her tenure at the Festival Center as Discipleship Year Program director and now serves as Director of…

Bill Mefford
He//Him
Executive Director
Bill Mefford is the Executive Director of The Festival Center. He is a connector, innovator, and visionary. From living and serving in poor communities in Waco, TX, Lexington, KY, Cleveland, and…

Lizbeth Melendez Rivera
She//They
Chef in Residence
Lisbeth Meléndez Rivera, MAL, is a 35+ year veteran in social justice movements. Lisbeth has extensive experience organizing and training at the intersections of sexual orientation…

Walter Taylor Jr.
He//Him
Events Specialist
Walter Taylor Jr. has served at the Festival Center since 2017. Previously, Walter served at River Road Unitarian Congregation in Bethesda, Maryland and Masters Hands Home…