Brookings Institution Press Names Bill Finan as New Director

The Brookings Institution announced this week the appointment of Bill Finan as the new director of the Brookings Institution Press.

Finan joined the Brookings Institution Press in June 2014 as editorial director. Under his leadership, the Press published stand-out books from both Brookings Institution scholars and external authors, including Richard Reeves, Marvin Kalb, Elaine Kamarck, Andrew Zimbalist, Malcolm Sparrow, and Timothy Edgar.

In his new role, Finan aims to build on the work of Valentina Kalk, who served as director of the Press from 2013–17, by continuing to bring the important research and analysis of Brookings Institution Press authors to an even wider audience. Currently, the Press publishes approximately 35 books per year. Finan will continue Brookings’s tradition of publishing cutting edge analysis from a variety of voices as the publishing industry evolves in the digital age.

Previously, Finan was editor at the University of Pennsylvania Press, where he oversaw the acquisition and editorial development of a number of books focusing on current events. He was also the editor of Current History, one of the country’s leading foreign policy magazines.

“The Brookings Institution is thrilled to have Bill as the new director of the Press,” David Nassar, vice president for Communications, said. “In his brief tenure, he has elevated the Press with the acquisition of important books on topics that are truly relevant today. The Press is a vital part of the Brookings community and we are excited for this step forward.”

Yelba Quinn has been promoted to assistant director of the Brookings Institution Press. She will oversee the marketing and sales arm of the department. She previously served as the sales manager.

Learn more about the Brookings Institution Press.