03/13/2023
Dear KFF Foundation Members,
Last month, you received an update on our search efforts for the next Executive Director for our Foundation.
After conducting in-person interviews and debriefs with the Committee, KFF Foundation Board members, and Executive Director, Mary Muse, and Ranch tours with some of the Foundation Staff, February 25th - 27th; the Search Committee convened to consider their recommendation to the KFF Foundation Board.
During a called Board meeting the Search Committee recommended Deb Rouse to the Board for consideration. I am delighted to report that the Board voted unanimously to accept and approve their recommendation.
Deb is a longtime Kerrvert; actually, she has been attending the Festival most of her life. In 2002, her parents Liz and Bruce (RIP) Rouse founded New Folk Camp.
After Bruce unexpectedly passed away in 2005, she, along with her husband Lindsey Lee, joined Liz in hosting New Folk Camp. Over the years, they have built something extraordinary; supporting and nurturing over 250 New Folk Finalist who are the lifeblood of our mission in promoting public appreciation and support for songwriters.
In 2019 Mary Muse conferred the title "New Folk Ambassadors" on Deb and Lindsey. They zealously promote the Kerrville Folk Festival and especially Kerrville's Grassy Hill New Folk Songwriting Competition throughout the music community.
Additionally, she has worked on several behind-the-scenes projects for the festival. For twelve years, she had prepared stage notes on every artist for the festival emcee. She works in the Office the week before and throughout Land Rush, handling numerous tasks, including finalizing the transportation schedule for the artists. And when in 2021, Mary Muse asked Deb and Lindsey to document the vaccination status of all attendees, they said yes without hesitation.
The commitment, passion and love that she puts into all things New Folk and all things KFF will naturally flow into her new role as Executive Director.
Deb will come on board as Incoming Executive Director on April 15, and then when Mary retires on June 30, 2023, Deb's title will change to Executive Director. Both Deb and Mary are delighted to have 65 days, including a festival, to work together.
We ask you to join the Committee, the Board, Mary, and the rest of the Foundation Staff and Volunteer Staff in supporting Deb wholeheartedly as she moves into her role as Executive Director; her success will be our success.
Please join us in offering a resounding, "Welcome Home," to Deb as she shepherds us toward the next fifty years.
Always yours in service and song,
KFF Foundation Search Committee
KFF Foundation Board of Directors
