Committee Chair: Carolyn Fennell- Arts and Cultural Board Member

Carolyn Fennell is an experienced business executive and community leader in Central Florida. Her professional experience includes over four decades as an executive in Public Affairs and Community Relations at Orlando International Airport where she was responsible for the airport's highly recognized public art collection program and community engagement events. In addition, her leadership role included media relations, crisis communications and external information. She also initiated an annual poetry showcase exhibit program at the airport.

Her professional journey spans being a publicist at Walt Disney World, working in production at ABC News in London, and holding board community leadership roles across Central Florida in cultural and community organizations.Her activities in business and the community include serving as former Chair of the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League, the Federal Reserve Bank Board, Jacksonville Branch and board membership in several art, hospitality and cultural organizations.

Following her goal to advocate, mentor, and support personal and community development and success, Fennell is the recipient of diverse community and industry awards, including the Central Florida Boy Scouts Whitney Young in 2024, Airport Council International Dean Emerita of Airport Communications, Winter Park Chamber Woman of Influence, Central Florida Hotel Lodging Association's Charles Andrew Memorial Award, Orlando Business Journal Business Woman of the Year and Central Florida Association of Black Journalists Global Achievement Award. She is a frequently requested public speaker for civic, conference, and community events.

With extensive international experience, Fennell has lived in the United Kingdom, Asia, and the South Pacific and continues to pursue international travel adventures. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Florida A&M University and has undertaken further studies at Queen’s University, Northern Ireland.