Michelle T. Boone

Michelle T. Boone is President of The Poetry Foundation. Appointed in May 2021, she is the first woman and first African American to lead the organization. Boone was previously the Chief Program and Civic Engagement Officer at Navy Pier and was a member of the executive leadership team helping to shape organizational strategy and public engagement. Boone formerly held the role of Commissioner at The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and senior program officer at the Joyce Foundation. Boone was previously named a “Cultural Champion” by the Chicago Cultural Alliance. She currently serves on several boards including the board of Americans for the Arts and Chicago Architecture Biennial. She was appointed to the Chicago Public Library Board of Directors in September 2021.