Patrick Finger, who has served as interim managing director of Folsom Street Events, the local nonprofit that produces the annual Folsom Street Fair, has been named the group's executive director.
Finger had been managing director since earlier this year, following the departure of Demetri Moshoyannis, and oversaw his first Folsom Street Fair in late September.
"2018 is going to be an amazing, banner year for Folsom Street Events," Edwin Morales, president of Folsom Street Event's board of directors, said in a news release. "It's so exciting that we have Patrick at the helm to lead the organization into the future. With over 10 years of experience with the organization, Patrick has proven himself a passionate, intelligent, and knowledgeable leader whose dedication and support of not only the community at large, but those without a voice, is unquestionable."
In addition to the street fair, Folsom Street Events is the organization behind popular leather events and parties such as the LeatherWalk, Up Your Alley, Bay of Pigs, Rough, Magnitude, and Deviants Adult Arcade. These events serve as fundraisers for a variety of community nonprofits and charities. Past beneficiaries have included AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Berkeley Free Clinic, Castro Country Club, Frameline, Hospitality House, National AIDS Memorial Grove, Pets Are Wonderful Support, Project Inform, Positive Resource Center, and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.
According to Folsom Street Event's news release, Finger has secured numerous strategic partnerships that have been critical in helping to raise funds for these organizations.
"2017 was a year of transition and learning for the organization and myself," Finger said in the release. "For 2018 we hope to improve upon the international reputation of the organization and continue to diversify our events. In spite of the constant changes in the city, Folsom Street Events will continue to produce events that can be found only in San Francisco."
Finger, who declined to be interviewed for this story, has held other positions at Folsom Street Events, and at one time worked for Levi Strauss & Company. Finger's salary information was not available. According to the group's 2015 IRS Form 990, Moshoyannis made about $112,000 in salary and benefits.