by Kerstan Szczepanski
Fae Desmond, Comic-Con International’s Executive Director, has announced her retirement. Comic-Con International is the non-profit that runs the legendary San Diego Comic-Con, as well as others. Desmond was a volunteer at the very first SDCC in 1970 and continued for 6 years before she became SDCC’s first employee. Her 47 year work run included rising to general manager, the executive director, 53 total years with the biggest event in comic book fandom.
“When I started volunteering for Comic-Con, I never imagined we would ever be where we are today,” says Desmond. “We focused on fulfilling our mission and providing the attendees, exhibitors, professionals, and our community with the best experience possible while doing so. That passion for the mission will not change when I leave. Comic-Con is being led by amazing people who are focused on our mission, education, and serving the community. I hope to continue to contribute as Comic-Con and the Comic-Con Museum move into the future.”
Our City San Diego magazine named her One of the 12 Most Powerful People in San Diego. She also was awarded the Multi-Cultural Convention Services Network annual Carol Wallace Women in Hospitality and Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award.
San Diego Comic-Con released a statement, “We are grateful for her many years of dedication and commitment to the organization and the championing of comics and popular art as not only a viable art form, but one deserving of wider recognition. We are delighted she has agreed to stay on for a few months to assist with the transition and ultimately wish her a wonderful and well-deserved retirement.”
No replacement has been announced.
