The Nature of Words, the region’s premier literary organization today announced that the board of directors has appointed Jamie Houghton interim executive director. Robert McDowell, who was appointed last year to replace The Nature of Words founder Ellen Waterston, has resigned from the organization.
Stephen Archer, M.D., president of the board of directors, said, “We are steadfast in our mission to deliver creative writing programs to area schools and students, and to bring the literary arts to the community. Jamie brings great talent and experience to the leadership role, and was mentored by the organization’s founder, Ellen Waterston.”
Houghton began at The Nature of Words in 2008 and her roles have included creative writing instructor, program coordinator and program director. As director, Houghton oversaw a seven-fold growth of the schools program, helping to bring creative writing instructors into more than 30 area classrooms annually to support state writing achievement goals. She also oversaw the growth and development of after-school programs, specialty workshops and youth literary competitions. In fall 2012 she was invited to present the impact of creative writing in the classroom to a meeting of the Grantmakers of Oregon and
“I’m pleased to serve an organization that I know and love so well, and look forward to supporting the board in its efforts to generate continuing community support for our programs and Annual Literary Festival,” said Houghton.
To learn more about The Nature of Words visit http://www.thenatureofwords.org or call 541-647-2233.
