The Martha’s Vineyard Food & Wine Festival has announced a new festival director. AJ Williams takes over the festival started by the Edgartown Board of Trade to enhance tourism on the Vineyard in the off-season. This year’s event runs from Oct. 16 through Oct. 19.

Miss Williams is currently the president and creative director of AJ Williams Events, a Boston-based planning company known for its non-profit galas and high profile events. In the course of her work, Miss Williams has collaborated closely with the food and wine industry’s top talent such as Gordon Ramsey, the Food Network’s Gail Simmons, Ted Allen, and local and national chefs. Miss Williams also brings experience in fundraising, marketing, public relations, as well as event strategy.

Miss Williams replaces festival director, Beth Lopes, president of Cronus Events, LLC, who recently retired after four years of service.

For more information, visit mvfoodandwine.com.