Apr 03, 2018
Carolyn Vanagel, President
Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance

(CH2 August 2011) The Woman with the Magic Wand
It’s a safe assumption that Carolyn Vanagel did not think her next move after leaving as a principal of Korn/Ferry, an international recruiting firm, would be to head up a car show on Hilton Head Island. Growing up in Indianapolis where racing and cars rule the city, Vanagel’s interests focused around natural horsepower, competing in national horse shows in the hunter/jumper division.
After moving to Hilton Head Island, and adjusting to her role as a new mom, Vanagel took on a part-time position with the event as advertising manager. Impressed with her passion and energy, organizers approached her soon thereafter about coming on board as the event’s first executive director. Seeing this opportunity as a challenge to establish the Motoring Festival as one of the top events of its kind while adding to the many attractions Hilton Head offers as a destination, Vanagel accepted and is now leading the force as the event’s president.
Since joining, the event has evolved beyond the typical one-day Concours formula into an overall Motoring Festival experience. 
As a non-“gear head,” Vanagel enjoys building those exhibits that appeal to the vast majority of people.