Chair of the Board
The Roles:
St Pauls Carnival
The Client:
As St Pauls Carnival CIC embarked on a new era, they sought a community-focused leader to guide their ambitious plans. With a rich history and a bright future, the organisation needed a Chair who could bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. We’re thrilled to have partnered with them to identify and place a highly qualified Chair of the Board.
St Pauls Carnival is the organisation behind Bristol's iconic celebration of music, art, and African Caribbean culture. However, their impact extends far beyond this thrilling annual event. This modern, dynamic, and ambitious organisation brings the spirit of Carnival alive year-round. Through the Carnival 365 project, they share the rich history and heritage of Carnival with communities across Bristol. Similarly, their Schools and Education Programme empowers people with knowledge of cultural diversity, equality, and more.
Celebrity chef Levi Roots was stepping down as Chair after dedicating several years to the role. They sought a successor who could develop the organisation’s strategic direction and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
We have a longstanding relationship with St Pauls Carnival, having assisted them with numerous leadership appointments, including Executive and Non-Executive Directors. Moon’s Founding Director, Vanessa Moon, coordinated the search campaign. They needed a leader who could bridge the gap between community and culture, with a strong background in nonprofit organisations. We conducted a bespoke search campaign, involving headhunting, targeted advertising and exploring the Moon network. Leveraging our knowledge of the cultural sector and expertise in diversity and inclusion, we discovered a selection of talented candidates with the skills and experience to succeed in the role.
Following a meticulous interview and selection process, we identified Dr Michele Curtis as the ideal candidate for the Chair of the Board position. Impressed by her collaborative leadership style and passion for community and culture, the St. Pauls leadership team promptly appointed her to the role.
Dr Curtis is a strong advocate of African-Caribbean heritage and founder of Iconic Black Britons. She brings a fresh perspective to St. Pauls Carnival that will help expand its impact. Her iconic murals of the Seven Saints of St Pauls, a beloved part of the Carnival route, symbolise her deep-rooted connection to the community. Under Dr Curtis’ leadership, St. Pauls Carnival is poised to shape the future of Bristol's cultural landscape and ensure the benefits of Carnival are felt across the city.
Dr Michele Curtis commented:
“I am excited to work with the team and board of St Pauls Carnival CIC, and continue to leave a legacy of carnival that is indicative of the vision and mission of its founders. A carnival that is sustainable and continues to share, educate, celebrate and preserve our rich African Caribbean Heritage for future generations.”
Vanessa Moon commented:
“It was a pleasure to work with St Pauls Carnival again on their search for a new Chair of the Board. Michele is a talented leader who will help expand Carnival’s reach and ensure its legacy for generations to come.”
LaToyah McAllister-Jones, Chief Executive of St Pauls Carnival, added:
“The appointment of Michele as the new Chair is a very positive start to a new phase for St Pauls Carnival. Having a strong voice from the community, one that has such close links to the Carnival community and its founders, is fantastic for the organisation. I have admired Michele’s work since moving to Bristol in 2015 and the Seven Saints is so deeply connected to how we have framed our work over the past 6 years. I very much look forward to working with her and the Board.”
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