Kerry Weldon has been hired as administrative director at NewFest, where she will serve as co-director of the organisation, and oversee finances, development, and administration in partnership with artistic director Basil Tsiokos.

Weldon begins in her new post on Feb 1, working on fundraising and corporate relations leading up to NewFest 2007, the 19th annual New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Film Festival that runs from May 31-Jun 10.

Weldon worked at IFP for more than nine years and eventually rose to managing director of development. In 2006 she became the director of development at the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

'We are very excited to add Kerry to the NewFest family,' president of NewFest's board of directors Louie Anchondo added. 'I have known her as a friend and colleague for some ten years and she has consistently proven her ability to promote independent film. We look forward to continue to grow NewFest with Kerry and Basil's leadership.'

Through annual film festival and year-round programming, NewFest showcases global film and hosts the New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Film Festival, NewFest's Filmmakers Forum, and NewFest@BAM, an annual NewFest highlights showcase at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Rose Cinemas.