People 5/20

Lucas Wittmann has been appointed executive director. He was editorial director at Time, overseeing the ideas and opinion sections. “Having worked in the world of literature and publishing for many years, I know how much the Poetry Center means to writers, publishers, and most especially, to readers, and the impact it has had on those communities,” Wittmann said the announcement. “I am deeply honored to accept this role which allows me to play a vital role in building community through literature on one of America’s greatest literary stages.”

Ghjulia Romiti has joined Gallery Books as editor. She was previously with HarperCollins.

Ivan Taurisano has joined as associate editor, entertainment publishing and content development, children’s books. He was most recently at Sourcebooks.

Claude Williams has joined as senior financial analyst.

John McGalagly joins as director of finance.

Dee Santana has joined as junior financial analyst.

Farah Karim-Cooper will take over as director in October, becoming the first person of color to lead the institution. She has been director of education (higher education & research) at Shakespeare’s Globe, where she has worked for the past 20 years, as well as professor of Shakespeare Studies, King’s College London.