Formerly the Ojai Film Festival, the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival is proud to announce that Meegan Huff has been named the this fall. The behind-the-scenes leadership change comes on the heels of the Festival’s recent announcement that it is broadening its regional footprint by becoming an event encompassing the cities of Ojai and Ventura.

“We are thrilled to have Meegan as a part of our team,” says David Shor, chairman of the Festival. “She brings a strong creative energy to the team—not to mention enormous professional experience in diverse industries that benefit the Festival. We are confident that Meegan will move our vision forward and will take us to the next step in our evolution as we enter our next chapter as a lifestyle-driven destination festival.”

With widespread experience in community outreach, project management, media relations and film and television production, Huff brings a well-rounded perspective to the festival’s executive team. In her recent position as community outreach director for The Pinnacle Development Group, Huff coordinated building projects amounting to more than $1 billion in California and Texas. Huff also brings experience with several city council campaigns and work as a production coordinator for CBS Productions and World Race Productions, all of which enhance her ability to think and communicate strategically and secure new partnerships on behalf of the film festival.

As the new executive director, Huff oversees all aspects of the Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival including: coordinating film screening locations, securing strategic partnerships and sponsorships, acting as the Festival’s spokesperson, and working with Artistic Director Steve Grumette and Chairman David Shor to establish the Festival’s expansion strategy and determine the long term sustainability of the Festival. Huff considers her top priority during her first year in office to be working with the Board to gain consensus on a strategic plan for the future of the Festival and leveraging the assets and relationships the Festival currently has in Ojai and Ventura to maximize ticket sales and notoriety.

“Film has always intrigued me,” says Huff, who officially began her position as director in May. “During my college years I spent time living in Budapest and was given a grant to make a documentary on the Roma in eastern Hungary. This experience catapulted my love of documentaries and, in many ways, being a part of this festival feels very full-circle.”

The 2009 Ojai-Ventura International Film Festival will take place on November 5-8. For the latest information or to purchase passes, visit www.ojai-venturafilmfestival.com.