The National Cherry Festival announced the selection of a new executive director Tuesday.

Kat Paye, who has worked for the festival since 2012, will take the reins of the organization effective immediately. Paye most recently served as Operations and Volunteer Manager for NCF, helping produce 150 events over the eight-day festival and coordinating 2,100 volunteers. Prior to being employed at NCF, she served on the festival's Board of Governors for two years - directing the Golden Mile Race, Teen Activities and Open Space operations - and volunteered for the event since 1994.

NCF used the services of SearchWide, an executive search firm specializing in tourism and hospitality industries, to recruit candidates. “The process was executed with diligence, and while a difficult decision with several qualified candidates, we are so very pleased to have Kat move into the position of executive director," NCF President Kevin Jaeger said in a statement.

Former NCF Executive Director Trevor Tkach, who announced his departure in July to accept the position of President/CEO of Traverse City Tourism, says he is "pleased to see internal candidate Kat Paye surface as the next festival director."

"It adds credibility to the festival's decision," Tkach says. "(Paye's) festival experience is sure to be a benefit, and I'm excited to continue working with her in a new capacity."