UNESCO City of Literature names interim executive director

IOWA CITY -- John Kenyon, editor of the Corridor Business Journal, has been named interim executive director of the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature.

Kenyon, also director of media operations with the Corridor Business Journal, will assume his new position on May 14. He succeeds Jeanette Pilak, the organization's first director, who resigned earlier this month.

Kenyon, a member of the City of Literature board of directors executive committee, has been appointed to a six-month term as interim executive director. Susan Craig, director of the Iowa City Public Library and president of the City of Literature board of directors, said a national search will be launched for a permanent executive director.

As interim executive director, Kenyon will oversee operations of the non-profit organization, reporting to an 18-member board of directors. His duties will include programming, outreach and fundraising.

Kenyon, a native of Des Moines and graduate of the University of Iowa, has worked in journalism in the Corridor for nearly 20 years. He was previously with the Daily Iowan and The Gazette.

In 2004, Kenyon helped launch the Corridor Business Journal with publisher John Lohman. He is a member of the Iowa City Summer of the Arts board of directors, and is chairman of the Hawkeye Division of the March of Dimes.

In a news release announcing Kenyon's appointment, Craig said the organization will continue to build on its success with Kenyon at the helm.

"John's experience with the City of Literature programs and operations assures a smooth transition," she said. "I am excited to work with John on the many programs the City of Literature supports."

The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature holds four signature events each year – the One Book Two Book Children's Literature Festival, World Book & Copyright Day, the Day in the City of Literature component of the Iowa City Book Festival, and Paul Engle Day – as well as others throughout the year.

The Corridor Business Journal has named Gigi Wood as interim editor. The publication intends to hire a permanent editor to succeed Kenyon, whose last day will be May 11.