The Center for Fiction names new executive director
Renowned literary nonprofit also announces new board members
The Center for Fiction announced on Thursday that Traci Lester has been named Executive Director of the organization. Ms. Lester joins The Center for Fiction from National Dance Institute, where she served as Executive Director from 2016 until March of this year. Ms. Lester succeeds Interim Executive Director Michael Roberts who assumed the role last June after the retirement of longtime Director Noreen Tomassi. Ms. Lester was selected after an extensive national search and began the role on April 6, 2021.
The Center for Fiction, marking its 200th anniversary, is the only organization solely devoted to the promotion and support of the art of fiction. Now located in downtown Brooklyn, it serves as a vibrant home for diverse readers and writers of all ages to convene, create, and connect over a shared love of literature.
“We are thrilled to welcome Traci Lester as Executive Director of The Center for Fiction,” said Erroll McDonald, Chairman of the Board. “Ms. Lester is a proven leader with an extensive background in education and the arts. She brings more than 25 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector with an impressive track record of organizational development and growth. I am confident she will lead The Center with vision, creativity, and managerial skill as we continue to enhance and expand our programming.”