Melissa Zaffino Named Executive Director for Movin' On 2027

Movin’ On’s Executive Director for the 2026 festival, Allie Riegel, is wrapping up her time at the organization, and that means that another beloved member of Movin’ On is taking her place. 

Melissa Zaffino, Movin’ On’s current Director of Sponsorship, will be stepping up to take on the position of Executive Director of Movin’ On for 2027. Melissa is a long-time member of this organization, loyal Movin’ On festival-goer, and State College native. 

Melissa has always wanted live music to be a big part of her life, and she also knew that Movin’ On was going to be a massive part of her life here at Penn State.

“I’ve always been into live music, concerts, and the fan experience. When I was young that was what I kind of grew up around. Tours and music, and an overall love for concerts and things like that.”

Melissa also touched on the unique experience that Movin’ On provides. “It’s run by students, what more could you want out of a college experience if that’s what you want to go into. You can’t get that anywhere else.”

She also expressed her admiration for the hard work that goes into this festival, citing her many years attending Movin’ On as something that greatly influenced her decision to join the organization.

“The entire production of the festival and everything that goes into it, seeing it on a large scale is something I’ve always admired, and going into school, that’s exactly what I wanted to go into so why would I not get involved with Movin’ On.” 

Melissa, who is majoring in Public Relations, cites Movin’ On as one of the most influential things that caused her to really love her major:

“Movin’ On influenced my career more than going into PR influenced me joining Movin’ On”.

Melissa then spoke about her favorite aspect of Movin’ On, which she says is the people: 

“The people really make the experience amazing”, Melissa started off with. "It's a lot of work for you to not enjoy it, and that's what makes it so fun is that everyone loves what they do and it’s easy to bond with people” she added. “It’s a lot of time spent together, you can’t get to know someone in a better way than that. It’s fun and it’s really rewarding”.

Melissa then talked about how her experience in her previous role of Director of Sponsorship helped her prepare for this new role:

“Sponsorship has taught me so much, and I really think that’s what kind of gave me the experience to be a good fit for Executive Director because I have had to maintain so many relationships with these companies”, and she also added, “when you are Executive Director you need to know everybody, you need to know everyone’s name, like you need to know the way everyone works”.    

When asked about what her overall goal and reason for leading Movin’ On in 2027, Melissa said:

“I just want to make Movin’ On this event that everybody’s excited for and that people are equally excited to be a part of.” 

Melissa also talked about her passion for Movin’ On and the fact that it has been a part of her life for so long:

“I just want people to be excited about it because I am so passionate about it. I love the concept, I love the experience that it gives people and I want everyone to feel that way.”

Melissa continues to push the message of Movin’ On and will continue to make this festival one of Penn State’s most beloved events.