We’re pleased to share that Jonathan Hill—award-winning cartoonist, author, and illustrator—has been named the new chair of our board of directors. He steps into this role alongside Joan Cirillo and Chabre Vickers as vice chairs.
Jonathan has been an active member of the Literary Arts community for more than a decade, bringing a deep understanding of our mission to his role as board chair. He has judged the citywide poetry slam championship Verselandia!, led writing workshops, moderated conversations at Portland Book Festival, and even served as the first illustrator to create branding for the festival.
In 2019, he joined Literary Arts’ board of directors and has since contributed across multiple workgroups and councils, including the Equity Workgroup and Youth Programs Advisory Council. He later joined the Executive Committee and eventually served as secretary and vice chair.
Jonathan is also widely recognized for his creative work. His debut series, Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy, draws on both his Vietnamese American family and his love of ’80s sci‑fi, earning recognition on multiple state award lists. He is also the creator of Odessa and co‑creator, with MK Reed, of Americus and Science Comics: Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology, and Climate.
As Jonathan shared with us, his journey with Literary Arts has been one of growth and connection:
“When I joined Literary Arts in 2012 through the Writers in the Schools program, I had no idea I would one day serve as the board chair,” he said. “Over the years, I kept saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities because I could see the impact Literary Arts was having on youth, writers, teachers and readers. My own career as an artist and writer grew alongside the organization. I am a better writer and a better human being because I am part of the Literary Arts community. As board chair, I am excited to work alongside my fellow board members and Literary Arts to continue to strengthen the role of the arts in Portland.”
Jonathan is also widely recognized for his creative work. His debut series, Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy, draws on both his Vietnamese American family and his love of ’80s sci‑fi, earning recognition on multiple state award lists. He is also the creator of Odessa and co‑creator, with MK Reed, of Americus and Science Comics: Wild Weather: Storms, Meteorology, and Climate.
His perspective and experience as both an artist and writer will shape his leadership in meaningful ways.
“Jonathan’s appointment recognizes his longstanding commitment to serving Portland’s literary community since 2012,” said Andrew Proctor, executive director of Literary Arts. “As an artist, author, and longtime member of the Literary Arts community, he brings both creativity and vision to this role. At a time when Portland is imagining its next chapter, I believe artists and cultural organizations will help lead the way, and Jonathan is exactly the kind of leader we need. We have had a long tradition of artists as trustees, going back to our origins with Ursula K. Le Guin and William Stafford, and into our current era with Renée Watson and Omar El Akkad.”
We’re also excited to welcome and celebrate our newly elected Executive Committee: Vice Chair Joan Cirillo, Vice Chair Chabre Vickers, Secretary Maurice (Mo) King, Treasurer Jonathan Levine, and At-Large members Ginnie Cooper, Elizabeth Gewecke, Susheela Jayapal, and Amy Prosenjak.
Jonathan takes on this role following the dedicated leadership of Amy Donohue, who served on the board for more than a decade. During her two-year term as chair, she oversaw the construction of Literary Arts’ new headquarters and our move to Portland’s Central Eastside, guiding us through a major transition while also elevating the role of arts as an essential part of the broader community.
As we look ahead, we’re inspired by Jonathan’s vision and grateful for the leadership that continues to shape Literary Arts.
