Executive Committee

Includes small photos

Gillian Ray, Chair

“Jill” Ray first got involved with the festival as a filmmaker and had several documentaries screened at the festival between 2010-2017. As a graduate of American University’s master’s program in film and media studies and a professional communicator, she will help lead the festival through 2027.

Chris Colligan, Vice Chair

Chris Colligan has called Alexandria home since 1985, raising three children here, and getting involved in the public school system at the city level. He has a life-long interest in film and was a judge for the festival for years before taking on the role of its programming lead in 2024.

Patti North, Executive Director

Patti North helped found the festival as vice chair of the Alexandria Commission for the Arts in 1996. As festival executive director, she (mostly) makes sure the bills get paid and forms get filed. If you are owed either one . . . chill. We’re busy making magic.

Anne Merrill

Anne Merrill has been managing social media for the festival since 2020. She has devoted most of her career to nonprofit communications and enjoys exploring how digital platforms can advance good causes.

Elisa Morsch

Elisa is a respected graphic design and brand expert obtaining her master’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. She works with the festival to develop its visual brand across print and digital platforms.

Randy McCracken

A lover of nature and art, Randy supports the festival through marketing, film screening and selection, and on-site photography. When not in Northern Virginia, Randy enjoys traveling and photographing landscapes and wildlife throughout the world.

Casie Graham

Joining the festival team in 2024, Casie is responsible for leading the Marketing & Communications team. Outside of the festival, Casie is a film publicist, production coordinator, and proud bookworm.

Emma Tainter

Emma joined the festival in 2025 and is currently responsible for volunteer coordination (we’d love to have you!) and assisting with grant writing. While she is down for any genre of film, she loves a good horror movie…even if she is watching from behind her hands.

Alexis Turek

Alexis Turek is responsible for community outreach, with the goal of spreading the word about the festival to as many people as possible. In her day job, Alexis works as a foreign and defense policy analyst with a focus on China-Taiwan issues, and she takes advantage of any opportunity to unplug and review films for the festival.