BOA Editions is proud to announce that its Publisher Peter Conners has been promoted to the position of Executive Director. This title and its responsibilities will be added to his current job as Publisher making Conners’ official title, Publisher and Executive Director.

Peter Conners has worked at BOA Editions since 2003. He began his career as Marketing Director and then became Associate Editor before being named Editor in 2008. In 2010, he was promoted to Publisher where, among other tasks, he has been responsible for providing the editorial vision for the press. As Publisher, books that Conners has selected for publication have garnered more than 30 prestigious literary awards, including three James Laughlin Awards and the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize for “the most outstanding book of poetry published in the United States.” Most recently, Conners spearheaded the founding of Blessing the Boats Selections to spotlight poetry collections by women of color.

BOA Board Chair Bill Waddell says: “In recognition of his able, spirited, and resourceful leadership, the Board of BOA Editions is pleased to announce the expansion of Publisher Peter Conners’ role to include the title and responsibilities of Executive Director as well. This action affirms our confidence in his sharp editorial vision and his skillful oversight of BOA’s operations to guide the press toward a long and luminous future.”

Conners says of the promotion: “I am thrilled to take this next step in helping guide BOA into a new decade. For the past 17 years, it has been my great honor to be surrounded by fellow staff and board members who share my passion for publishing and promoting our incredible roster of authors. I am grateful to BOA’s Board of Directors for their trust in my abilities. Together, we will continue making literary history as we bring vital voices to a world of readers.” 

In addition to his work at BOA, Conners has authored nine books of nonfiction, fiction, and poetry. His books have been published by such presses as Da Capo Press, City Lights, Cornell University Press, and White Pine Press. His nonfiction books — Cornell '77, Growing Up Dead, JAMerica, and White Hand Society — have garnered him a reputation as a leading chronicler of the countercultural community. In 2017, his book, Cornell '77, was included in the Grammy nominated Grateful Dead box set, May 1977: Get Shown the Light, released by Rhino Records.