Update: Wine + Food Executive Director Leaving; Asks Why Not?

Angel Passailaigue Postell, the executive director of Charleston Wine + Food and the festival's original planning committee chair, announced on her personal blog that she'll be leaving her position. Here's the heart of what she wrote:

"So today I announce a new beginning and not an ending. I have been honored to have started and led such an incredible organization that has really helped Charleston elevate itself as a leading culinary destination.

When the thought of a food and wine festival in the city was first discussed there were only a dozen or so restaurants/chefs paving the way, Mike Lata was a young chef at Anson just beginning to think about starting his own place and Johnson & Wales was closing its doors. But dreams were in the making and big things were about to happen. The Festival was an exciting part of that and I am beyond words when I think of where we have come, and what this city has become."

According to the W + F annual report, the 2012 festival had over 21,000 guests and "its total contribution to the Charleston-area economy rose to $8.6 million...."

Postell didn't mention what she was doing next, but she did write, "So many will ask why, and my only answer is why not. I never intended to run the Festival and always wanted to get back to doing my own thing. It is time. I am ready."

Update: City Paper reported, "She will remain with the festival for three more months and help the search committee find a replacement." The site for Home Team Public Relations, Postell's boutique PR firm and what she'll be focusing on post W+F, is over here.

· To New Beginnings [Angel Postell]
· BB&T Charleston Wine + Food [Official Site]

[Photo: BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Official Site]