The board of directors of Falmouth Road Race, Inc. has named Jennifer Edwards as executive director of the organization, effective Jan. 1. She was most recently its general manager.
“The board is happy to have Jennifer as Falmouth Road Race, Inc.’s first-ever executive director, as am I personally,” said Scott Ghelfi, board president. “As we expand with an At-Home virtual event and the newly acquired Falmouth in the Fall race, and have increasingly more involvement in the community throughout the year, we knew we needed a strategic thinker to lead the organization. Jennifer has worked with us in many capacities over the past 10 years and we feel she is the right fit for this new role.”
In her new position, Edwards will work with the board to fulfill the nonprofit organization’s mission to produce a world-class event, support local charities, and promote health and wellness. She will ensure that financial objectives are met, provide leadership to staff, facilitate community partnerships, and oversee the philanthropic endeavors of Falmouth Road Race, Inc.
Since 2012, the organization has contributed more than $3.69 million to projects that promote the health and wellness of Falmouth and the surrounding area. Its Numbers for Nonprofits charity runner program has raised nearly $45 million since 2000.
An active member of the running industry, Edwards is hydration station coordinator for the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and a former director of special projects for DMSE Sports, Inc. She serves on the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce board of directors, is race director for Falmouth’s Holidays by the Sea Jingle Jog, and is a volunteer with several local entities. Jennifer holds a master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from UMass Amherst and worked in healthcare and education for 15 years prior to joining the Falmouth Road Race team.
The Falmouth Road Race was established in 1973 and has become one of the premier running events of the summer season. Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite, and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic seven-mile seaside course. The nonprofit Falmouth Road Race organization is committed to promoting health and fitness through community programs and philanthropic giving.