Mayor Bill Haslam announced that Judith Foltz will begin work as the City of Knoxville's Director of Special Events beginning January 3, 2011.

Foltz is currently director of development for the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 2005. Previously she co-owned and managed, New City Merchants, an art gallery and antique business in Knoxville, was an interior designer and has extensive experience in fundraising.

Foltz will be replacing Mickey Mallonee, the city's special events director since 2000, who is retiring on December 31.

"I'm very happy that Judith is joining the city and I think she's the right person for this very important role," Haslam said. "We have great events in Knoxville and the special events director is the person behind the scenes who makes sure everything works. I know Judith is going to do a great job."

The Office of Special Events works with individuals and organizations that sponsor the 400 to 500 festivals, parades, picnics, concerts, road races and other events held each year on city-owned property and streets.

Those events range from modest gatherings involving a few dozen participants to large celebrations like Boomsday where the city provides the logistics covering everything from access to electricity and cleanup services to police and emergency medical coverage.

The office also manages the city's festivals, like the month-long Christmas in the City celebration, promotes activities taking place in Knoxville and plans special events on behalf of the Mayor's office. In addition Special Events is also responsible for scheduling activities and events on Market Square.

Foltz was president of the Knoxville Symphony League in 2004-05 and served on the board of directors for 11 years. She is a 2008 Leadership Knoxville graduate and a board member with the March of Dimes and Knox Heritage and a member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Commemoration Committee.

Foltz will report to Bill Lyons, Senior Director of Policy & Communications and Special Events will become part of the Policy & Communications Department.