#United States #Chicago #Poetry Foundation #Michelle Boone #Gwendolyn Perry Davis

Michelle T. Boone Announces Retirement

Michelle T. Boone, the esteemed president and CEO of the Poetry Foundation, is set to retire after a storied career that has spanned numerous sectors, including entertainment, nonprofit leadership, and cultural philanthropy. Boone, who has been instrumental in revolutionizing the Poetry Foundation since her appointment in May 2021, leaves behind a legacy that has dramatically increased the foundation's commitment to the poetry community. As the first woman and first Black leader at the helm of the organization, her leadership has been marked by a bold vision that has propelled the foundation to new heights.

The Poetry Foundation's board of trustees has already initiated steps to find Boone's successor. They have established a search committee and will be collaborating with a firm to lead this important transition. Boone will remain with the foundation until the end of 2027 to ensure a smooth and stable transition for the organization as it prepares for its upcoming leadership chapter.

Under Boone's stewardship, the Poetry Foundation has evolved into one of the largest grant-making organizations exclusively dedicated to poetry in the United States. This transformation has secured the foundation’s status as a powerhouse for nonprofit poetry organizations, helping distribute approximately $17 million in grants since Boone's tenure began. Gwendolyn Perry Davis, chair of the Poetry Foundation board, praised Boone's tenacity and her ability to forge deep relationships across various arts sectors, which allowed for a concrete response to the needs of the poetry community.

Boone's impactful leadership also included the strategic development of the foundation's first strategic plan since 2006, launched in 2022. This plan articulated a new mission and grantmaking strategy, addressing longstanding gaps within the literary arts. Under her watch, the foundation revitalized its awards program, marking Poetry's 110th anniversary with a historic cumulative prize distribution of $1.1 million to outstanding poets, including luminaries like Rita Dove and Nikki Giovanni.

In focusing on inclusivity and representation, Boone appointed Adrian Matejka as the magazine's editor-in-chief, making him the first Black individual in that role in the history of Poetry magazine. This appointment marks a significant step towards diversifying the voices represented in the publication and ensuring that emerging poets receive vital exposure and support. Boone's efforts were also reflected in the inception of numerous new awards aimed at recognizing and supporting diverse poetic voices—including the $25,000 Pegasus Award for Service in Poetry and the Pegasus Poetry Book Prize in collaboration with Graywolf Press.

Perhaps one of her boldest initiatives was joining forces with private foundations to create the Literary Arts Fund, which aims to distribute $50 million over five years in a targeted effort to bolster literary arts organizations facing financial hardships. Boone's work as a champion for the arts has not gone unnoticed, as she is lauded for making enduring contributions to American poetry.

As her time with the Poetry Foundation comes to a close, Boone reflects on the rich experience of collaborating with a devoted team and leadership board to amplify poetry's voice and celebrate its diverse expressions. Additionally, her influence has spread beyond the foundation; Boone's advocacy was central to Chicago's appointment of its first poet laureate, reflecting her broader contribution to the city’s cultural landscape.

Boone's journey began across various platforms, as she has a background in television, film, and music. She has served as a volunteer in the U.S. Peace Corps and has been involved in shaping Chicago’s vibrant arts scene, having previously held a significant role as the commissioner of the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

As her retirement approaches, Boone looks forward to continuing her engagement in the arts community through service on various boards and her commitment to uplifting literary endeavors beyond her tenure at the Poetry Foundation.

The Poetry Foundation envisions a world transformed by words and aims to celebrate and elevate poets and poetry. Boone's leadership has indelibly shaped this vision, leaving a profound impact that will resonate in the literary world for years to come.