Leslie Wingate

Before stepping into her role as Executive Director of the Decatur Book Festival (DBF) in 2024, Leslie Wingate served as Vice President on the DBF Board of Directors. She dedicated 20 years to her alma mater, Emory University, where she was the Senior Director of Alumni Programs with the Emory Alumni Association for twelve years, and led the Campus & Community Relations team at Emory Libraries for eight years. She began her career in international relations as a consultant at the French Trade Commission, then as the Executive Director of the French-American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta. Outside of work, Leslie is an avid reader who enjoys practicing yoga, birdwatching, and taking walks in Piedmont Park. She cherishes time with her friends and family, especially her two grown daughters who live in Charleston.