We are thrilled to announce that BOA is adding two new staff members to our team! Please join us in welcoming Kelly Hatton, our new Director of Development & Operations, and Ron Martin-Dent, our new Director of Publicity & Production.
After a nationwide search, we whittled down our total candidate pool from more than 40 applicants to 10 for an initial round of interviews. Applications arrived from around the country and we were impressed with the passion that so many candidates showed for furthering BOA’s mission. Ultimately, three finalists per position were selected to continue on to the competitive final interviews, which were conducted by BOA’s Personnel Committee. Kelly and Ron emerged as the unanimous top picks based on their previous work experience, qualifications, and outstanding enthusiasm for BOA.
Kelly Hatton grew up in Geneseo, New York. Since receiving a BA in English from Susquehanna University, she has worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay, a cheesemaker and goat herder outside of NYC, and an editor for the National Park Service in Denver. She completed a dual MFA in Creative Writing and Environmental and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming in 2014. She is thrilled to be back in Western New York, and is looking forward to advancing BOA's mission. Kelly's first day in the office will be November 28, 2016. Her responsibilities will include grant writing, coordinating special events, and maintaining BOA's business accounts and records.
Ron Martin-Dent was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He studied English Literature at Pacific Lutheran University and earned a Certificate in Editing at the University of Washington. This year, he served as an intern with both Copper Canyon Press and Graywolf Press. He has also served as the communication coordinator at the Emergency Feeding Program of Seattle & King County, a postal clerk at Holden Village, and a library aide at the Butte-Silver Bow Public Library. In his spare time, Ron enjoys hiking through the woods, crafting hand-bound journals, and reading as many books as he can. Ron's first day in the office will be December 1, 2016. His responsibilities will include managing publicity efforts, overseeing contests, and shepherding books through the production process.
As we welcome Kelly and Ron, we are also sorry to see Melissa Hall leave her position in December. Mel has served as BOA's amazing Director of Development & Operations for the past seven years, and we will truly miss her great humor and impeccable work ethic as she moves on to pursue new goals.
Read our full announcement of BOA’s current staff transition here.
For those attending this year's AWP Conference, you will have a chance to meet Kelly and Ron at the BOA booth (#525). Please stop by and say hello!
Congratulations, Kelly and Ron, and welcome to the BOA family!
