Gail Browne, the executive director of the University of Arizona's Poetry Center, has announced that she will be stepping down from her position effective June 30, 2013.

From the University of Arizona's press release announcing the move:

During her time at the Poetry Center, Browne oversaw the capital campaign for and construction of the Center’s landmark building. The Helen S. Schaefer Building was the first of three major poetry facilities built in the past five years. (The others are Poets’ House in New York and the Poetry Foundation building in Chicago.) Among her many achievements, Browne oversaw the launch of voca, the Center’s online digital archive of literary readings; the proliferation of on-site youth and adult education programs; and a series of acclaimed international symposia on poetics. During her tenure, the Poetry Center has seen a significant increase in philanthropic support.

Browne, who has been executive director of the Poetry Center since 2002, had this to say in the release:

“While it is difficult to imagine leaving the Poetry Center—a place I love beyond measure—this is the perfect time to bring in new leadership and ideas. Over the past fifty years the Poetry Center has grown into its role as a leading destination for the celebration of poetry and creative expression in the U.S. It is poised to take on a new vision and achieve even greater aspirations in the next era. I am eager to see how the Center will continue to inspire and engage.”