CARMEL, Ind. — Nearly 10,000 visitors flocked daily to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt in 2024, enjoying the festive atmosphere, but internal turmoil is leading to significant changes in the market’s leadership. Maria Adele Rosenfeld has resigned as CEO after eight years, citing a lack of support and exclusion from essential decision-making processes.
In her resignation letter to the market’s board of directors, Rosenfeld expressed frustration over being left out of critical discussions regarding board member terminations and appointments. She stated, “This board does not want me in this role… My leadership has been undermined.” Her departure follows the recent legal action taken by former board member Susan McDermott against the Carmel city government and Mayor Sue Finkam.
McDermott was removed from the board in October, a move Finkam justified by claiming that McDermott and another board member had not been providing timely financial information. The lawsuit alleges that this removal was part of a strategy to implement a new operating agreement that would grant the city more control over the market’s operations.
Carmel Common Council member Jeff Worrell voiced concerns, recalling McDermott’s insistence that she fulfilled all her responsibilities. He noted that explanations from the mayor regarding the situation have been vague. Rosenfeld highlighted McDermott’s removal as just one of several grievances in her resignation letter, which emphasized her lack of awareness surrounding the board’s personnel changes.
In response to the mayor’s board restructuring, the City Council formed an Affiliate Review Committee to assess market operations. However, Worrell expressed worries that the committee’s focus on finances may overshadow the deeper issues stemming from fractured relationships among key players.
Rosenfeld’s resignation letter also pointed to potential conflicts of interest within the current board, including the recent appointment of Carmel Chief Financial Officer Zac Johnson. Mayor Finkam acknowledged the contributions of Rosenfeld during her tenure and indicated that the city is actively seeking both interim and long-term leadership for the market. She reassured that planning for this year’s event is underway, emphasizing a commitment to preserving the market’s legacy while exploring new opportunities for growth.
The City Council is set to review the committee’s findings at its regular meeting scheduled for Monday evening, as stakeholders in the community grapple with the unfolding developments that could reshape a beloved holiday tradition.
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