The Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature has appointed its first executive director. Jeanette Pilak will be paid an annual salary of $80,000, group secretary Joshua Schamberger said.

Pilak is tasked with setting up the structure of the organization, said Christopher Merrill, the president of City of Literature board and the director of the UI International Writing Program.

The organization has garnered three-year donations, of $50,000 annually, from both the UI and Iowa City.

Former UI President Willard Boyd and wife Susan Boyd will co-chair a campaign for private fundraising after Pilak begins as executive director.

Pilak is the only paid official in the organization. Iowa City City Councilor Regenia Bailey and UI President Sally Mason also sit on the board.

— by Joseph Belk