Ella Novell
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Sets the organization’s vision, public voice, strategic direction, and relationships across the literary and community landscape.
Founding leadership
A collective commitment to open doors.
Our team works across Dallas–Fort Worth, Austin, East Texas, Portland, and Kansas, bringing together expertise in leadership, operations, finance, technology, partnerships, and communications.
Jackson Gonzales
Chief Financial Officer
Provides financial oversight, sustainable planning, and responsible stewardship of the Foundation’s resources.
Caitlin Hooks
Chief Operating Officer
Guides day-to-day operations, systems, projects, and the coordination that turns purpose into action.
Kaleb Skelton
Chief Technology Officer
Leads digital infrastructure, technology strategy, accessibility, privacy, and the systems that help the organization grow.
JR Sailing
Chief Partnerships Officer
Builds community and institutional partnerships while identifying grant opportunities that strengthen the mission.
Landree Motley
Chief Marketing Officer
Shapes clear, consistent communications and helps bring the Foundation’s programs, events, and voice to the public.
Accountability
The Board of Directors provides strategic, financial, governance, and program oversight, while the executive team leads the day-to-day work of the Foundation.