Jo Ann Clark, New Director of Writers' Center

John Alledorf, Board Chair of the Hudson Valley Writers' Center sent out this note welcoming the newly minted Executive Director, Jo Ann Clark.

This follows the departure of Frank Juliano back in April, who was headhunted for a position in Summit, NJ as executive director of Reeves-Reed Arboretum. You can read more about his new job and his vision for it ("to expand upon and deepen the community's expectation of the Arboretum as a daily resource for peaceful walks, education, cultural stimulation, and a sense of cooperative purpose") in this letter posted on their website.

I am pleased to announce that the work of the Search Committee entrusted with finding the ’s new Executive Director has come to a happy end. We were gratified to attract impressive applicants from around the country, but none better matched the Committee’s leadership ideal than Jo Ann Clark.  I am tempted to say: our own Jo Ann Clark.

A former administrator at St. Stephen’s School in Rome and past Director of CITYterm at the Masters School, Jo Ann also has extensive teaching experience.  From the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to Columbia University Teachers College to the Hudson Valley Writers’ Center itself, Jo Ann has a devoted following of former students who have been inspired by their time in her courses and workshops. Those who know her foremost as a poet and translator are also quick to praise her literary accomplishments. And all of us are looking forward to Black Lawrence Press’s  2014 publication of her collection, 1001 Facts of Prehistoric Life. 

This abundance of experience and skill has also been evident at the Slapering Hol Press—the Center’s literary imprint—where Jo Ann made her mark as an SHP Committee member and as co-editor of Helen Barolini’s Hudson River Haiku. Jo Ann has also served these past two years as our Chair of Programming, helping to expand and diversify our offerings of readings and courses and to build partnerships with schools and organization throughout the river valley, Westchester County, and beyond. 

You’ll be hearing a lot from Jo Ann in the seasons ahead, but I’m pleased to share with you her words upon accepting the offer to be our new ED: “I am thrilled to take up this exciting role at a place I have truly come to love. I have felt honored to be a part of the Writers’ Center’s growth, and feel excited now to begin guiding its future course.  It’s a joy being part of this wonderful community serving that craft and art that is writing.”

Welcome, Jo Ann!

Sincerely,

John Allendorf

HVWC Board Chair