Laurent Linn Joins Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Board of Directors

LOS ANGELES August 27, 2024 – SCBWI is thrilled to announce the election of Laurent Linn as president of its board of directors. Linn assumes this role effective immediately. He has been involved with SCBWI for over 22 years as faculty at global and regional conferences, a member of the SCBWI Advisory Council, and a committee member responsible for planning illustrator programming at global conferences. As a respected member of the publishing professionals community, he has been a creative force for over 25 years as an art director of picture books, middle grade, and young adult books, with 16 years at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 

Before book publishing, Linn was a creative director and puppet designer with Jim Henson’s Muppets and an Emmy award winner for his work on Sesame Street. He is also the author and illustrator of numerous children’s books; notably his acclaimed young adult novel Draw the Line. Linn is the artistic advisor for the annual Original Art exhibit at the Society of Illustrators. His dedication to the children’s book publishing business and his imaginative, visionary career will help shape a brighter future for SCBWI.

Linn joins board treasurer Jon E. Cawthorne, a librarian in the Wayne State University Library System, and board secretary Netta Rabin, vice president, publisher, and creative director of Klutz, a division of Scholastic. As board president, Linn gives SCBWI new leadership and renewed vigor at the board level. On his election, Linn commented, “The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is truly that: a society—a rich community of creative people coming together to share and learn and grow. In my twenty-two years of involvement with SCBWI, I’ve experienced this remarkable community up close across regions in the US and around the world, and I’ve seen how hard the staff and volunteers work to serve the needs of all members while welcoming new members as our publishing world evolves. I am deeply honored to step into the role of President of the Board of Directors and can’t wait to help enrich and grow this giving and joyful community!”

Executive director Sarah Baker summed up Linn this way, “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Laurent Linn since I began working for SCBWI in 2011, and I’ve known him from SCBWI events for over twenty years. Laurent’s passion for supporting SCBWI members is truly inspiring. Over the past decade, he has served on the SCBWI Advisory Council, offering invaluable insights and guidance. He’s traveled to countless SCBWI Regional Events, where his generosity and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on our members and volunteers worldwide. I’m so excited about the innovations and contributions Laurent will bring to his new role, and I’m thrilled to welcome him as our Board President!”