Poetry Northwest (the region’s oldest literary magazine, established in 1959) has just published volume 14.2 in its New Series, marking fifteen vibrant years in its expanded format and ten at host institution Everett Community College.

The Winter & Spring 2020 issue brings to a close the joint editorship of Aaron Barrell and Erin Malone. Malone has resigned her position to devote more time to her own writing projects, and Barrell, in search of fresh challenges, steps into a new role as Managing Editor.

We are pleased to announce that Keetje Kuipers will be the new Editor of Poetry Northwest. Kuipers has been a Senior Editor at the magazine for three years. She has recently published her third book of poems, All Its Charms, with BOA Editions, and teaches poetry writing at Hugo House. As Editor-in-chief, she will have the chance to shape the direction of the magazine for years to come.

“I believe we come to poetry in order to participate in a conversation larger than our own solitary existence. In the Northwest, that conversation is a dynamic one, informed by the drama of our geography and its long history of migration,” says Kuipers. “I look forward to drawing out the voices that challenge and punctuate our ideas of what poetry can do as we move into an uncertain future.”

The expanded Poetry Northwest leadership team includes Bill Carty as Senior Editor with a focus on web platform. Carty recently published his first book, Huge Cloudy, with Octopus Books. Kary Wayson has recently joined the staff as an associate editor, and Abi Pollokoff serves as managing editor of Poetry NW Editions. Kevin Craft will serve as Publisher, with a focus on non-profit operations, growth, and developing the book imprints of Poetry NW Editions.

“Our region has changed a lot in the past decade,” says Aaron Barrell, who has been with the magazine since its relocation to Everett in 2010. “Erin and I have worked tirelessly these past four years to bring new voices to our readers, to build a magazine responsive to change.”

“It’s been a delight to have worked with Keetje these past three years,” says Barrell. “As senior editor, she has already contributed many innovative features—such as the Native Poets Torchlight Series—to our publishing program.”

Says Craft: “Erin Malone brought a cheerful patience to the editorial room, and a keen eye for contrast, for the vibrant, layered image to the poems she selected. We will miss her grace, her warm and generous heart. Malone and now Kuipers continue what Carolyn Kizer started 61 years ago—an evolving, transnational feminist tradition stubbornly rooted in northwest terrain.”