Executive Board

The strength of the Columbus Italian Festival has always been its people—and this year’s Executive Board is a powerful reflection of that tradition.

With a combined nearly 400 years of experience volunteering, organizing, and leading this festival, the 2026 Executive Board brings an unmatched depth of knowledge, passion, and dedication. These are individuals who have worn every hat—working food booths, coordinating logistics, leading committees, managing entertainment, organizing the parade, and ensuring every detail comes together seamlessly.

Their collective experience means more than just years—it represents decades of relationships built, traditions preserved, and innovations introduced to keep the festival growing year after year. They understand what makes this event special because they’ve helped shape it, protect it, and pass it on to the next generation.

From honoring our heritage to elevating the festival experience for more than 35,000 attendees each year, this team is committed to continuing the legacy while building an even stronger future.

Simply put—there’s no group more prepared, more passionate, or more invested in the success of the Columbus Italian Festival than this year’s Executive Board.

FR Vince Nguyen	info@sjtbitaliana.org	Festival CEO, Pastor
Adam Montemarano	bookemadam@aol.com	Executive Director
		Director of Sponsorhips, Logistics, Festival Layout, Signage, Dry Goods
Marilena Cugini	mcugini@sjbitaliana.org	Bookkeeper
Margaret Panico-Harn	mrpanicoharn@gmail.com	Secretary
		Director of Kick Off Dinner and Decorations
Carol Ristucci	cristucci06@yahoo.com	Director of Admissions, Volunteers, Kick Off Dinner, Decorations
Paul Cugini	paul@paulcugini.com	Director of Bocce
Anthony Cugini	cugini03@yahoo.com	Director of Bocce
Antonio D’Alberto	antonio@dalberto.com	Director of Festival Church Activities
Rick Brunetto	rickbrunetto@mac.com	Director of Entertainment
Landa Masdea Brunetto	landa7@mac.com	Director of Entertainment
David Ross	dfr@pudge.com	Director of Fire and Safety, First Aid, Columbus Police
John Contino	johncontino84@gmail.com	Director of Fire and Safety, First Aid, Columbus Police
		Columbus Italian Festival Parade Co-Chair
Vince Militello	vmilitello26@outlook.com	Director of Food and Food Vendors
Salvatore Carfagna	sal@carfagnas.com	Director of Food and Food Vendors
Guy Williams Jr	guyw30@gmail.com	Director of Gambling
Joe Ingrassia	ingrassiajp@gmail.com	Director of Marketing and Communications & Media Relations
		Columbus Italian Festival Parade Co-Chair
Albert Iosue	albert@iosue.com	Director of Refreshments

Front Row (L–R):
Joe Ingrassia, Fr. Vince Nguyen, David Ross, Adam Montemarano, Landa Masdea-Brunetto, Margaret Harn

Second Row:
Sal Carfagna, Antonio D’Alberto, Vince Militello, Marilena Cugini

Last Row:
Amy Militello, Carol Ristucci, Paul Cugini

Not Pictured:
Anthony Cugini, Rick Brunetto, John Contino, Al Iosue, Guy Williams Jr.