A “thank you” and “welcomes” for the Poetry by the Sea Board of Directors and Advisory Committee.
With profound thanks for her unstinting commitment to Poetry by the Sea, the Board announces that Nicole Caruso Garcia has stepped down as Vice President of the Board of Directors. Nicole has been with the Conference nearly from its inception and worked closely with our founder, Kim Bridgford, to help realize its promise. After Kim’s death, Nicole was instrumental in keeping the Conference afloat and helping to finalize our nonprofit status. Nicole has sponsored the Jane Caruso Memorial Scholarship, which brings local high school students to the Conference every year. Although Nicole is leaving to pursue other priorities, she intends to remain involved with the Conference and to continue to share her valuable experience and expertise. Linda Stern has taken on the role of Board Vice President. Anna M. Evans will continue as President and Treasurer.
We are very delighted to announce two new additions to the Board of Directors.
Allison Joseph has been elected to the position of Board Secretary. As a member of the Advisory Committee, Allison was instrumental in identifying new faculty and scholarship recipients, and in helping to craft our DEI and harassment and discrimination policies. Allison is also the originator and sponsor of the Jon Tribble Editors Fellowship, which brings a noted editor to the Conference very year.
Patricia Behrens has agreed to join the Board as a Board Member. As an Advisory Committee member for the past two years, Patricia has advised on fundraising, including helping to draft donation drives and researching and applying for numerous grants. Patricia has also provided invaluable help in the drafting of policies and administrative functions.
And we are very excited to announce changes to our Advisory Committee.
Clare Rossini has agreed to stay on the Advisory Committee as member at large for another term. In addition, David Groff and Sandra Yannone have agreed to join Clare on the Advisory Committee. David will focus on fundraising, and Sandy on Connecticut outreach. Both will share their expertise and advice on other subjects as well.
David Groff’s third book of poems, Live in Suspense, was published by Trio House Press. An independent book editor, he teaches poetry, nonfiction, and publishing in the MFA creative writing program at the City College of New York.
Sandra Yannone (she/they), Poet Laureate of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, USA, published The Glass Studio (2024) and her debut collection Boats for Women (2019) with Salmon Poetry. She recently retired from her career as a faculty writing center director in the Pacific Northwest.
Laura Salvatore has agreed to continue as Social Media Coordinator.