John Kenyon was named as the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature interim executive director Wednesday, according to a press release. He is scheduled to take the position May 14.

Kenyon will replace former executive director Jeanette Pilak, who resigned earlier this month. During Kenyon’s six-month interim term, the organization’s board of directors will search for a new candidate.

Susan Craig, the director of the Iowa City Public Library, said in the press release that Kenyon will be qualified to continue the success of the City of Literature organization.

Kenyon’s duties will include overseeing the operations of the City of Literature’s nonprofit organizations, programming, outreach, and fundraising.

Kenyon is a Des Moines native and University of Iowa graduate. He is the editor and director of media operations for the Corridor Business Journal and an executive committee board member for the City of Literature organization.

In November 2008, Iowa City was designated the first City of Literature in the U.S. and third in the world.

— by Derek Kellison