Brian Bowe has served as executive director for the past 14 years; search now underway for new leader
Photo by Scott Jackson Photography
The “pyro chefs” in Gourmet Alley put on a spectacular flame-up show while preparing garlic-laced calamari in huge iron skillets.
By Staff Reports
Brian Bowe, who has served as executive director for the Gilroy Garlic Festival for 14 years, has officially resigned, according to a press release Dec. 13 from the association.
Brian Bowe
The association will immediately begin conducting an outside search for a new executive director. Bowe will stay on for a period of time to help with the transition.
“It’s been an honor to serve as executive director for the Gilroy Garlic Festival for 14 years, and I am immensely proud of all the festival has done to support the local community,” Bowe said. “After much introspection, I truly believe the festival will benefit from a fresh perspective in the executive director position. I am looking forward to what my future holds.”
“On behalf of the entire association and the more than 4,000 volunteers who work at the festival every year, we are incredibly grateful to Brian Bowe for providing such outstanding leadership during the past 14 years,” Tom Cline, president of the 2020 Gilroy Garlic Festival, said. “His tireless dedication to the festival and all of the nonprofit groups that we support has been unmatched. We wish him all the best in the future — and hope he will come visit us all at the 42nd annual Gilroy Garlic Festival July 24, 25 and 26, 2020.”
The annual events has been officially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest garlic festival and draws thousands of guests every year. To date, the Gilroy Garlic Festival has raised more than $12 million dollars for local schools and non-profit groups.
For more information, go to www.gilroygarlicfestival.com.
