The Writers’ Trust of Canada has found a new executive director. David Leonard assumes the role on December 4.

Leonard will replace Charlie Foran, who announced in July that he would be stepping down from the executive director post at the end of 2023 after four years.

Leonard has 15 years of experience in arts-inclusive nonprofits. He was the founding director of the Walrus Foundation’s events programs and a director of a global program for inclusion at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

“We are delighted to welcome David to the Writers’ Trust and we are excited about the deep experience in the non-profit sector and in the literary community in particular that he brings to our organization,” Writers’ Trust board chair Richard Ward said in a statement. “David is a respected leader in the industry, and we look forward to the strategic vision that he will bring to the Trust as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2026.”

Ward also thanked Foran for leading the Writers’ Trust through the pandemic, strengthening its financial position and growing its programming.

Leonard said he is looking forward to taking on the position.

“Writers help us make sense of our world, and we need these voices to be strong, to be bold, and to feel essential in the landscape of Canadian ideas,” Leonard said in a statement. “The Writers’ Trust is a unique example of the good that comes when writers are supported, and with its inclusive lens and dedicated efforts to recognize the full spectrum of literature in Canada, this is an exciting moment to showcase our very best writing to Canadians.”