Welcoming Executive Director Andrew Frank

Please join us in welcoming Andrew Frank, our new executive director at Behind the Book! Andrew comes to us with twelve years of experience helming the Children’s Theater in NYC; during his tenure there, he oversaw the strategic growth of the organization and helped bring accessible theater to over 15,000 low-income families. He has also served as the Director of the Cultural Institutions Unit at the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Interim Executive Director of Queens Symphony Orchestra, and the President of TYA/USA and the General Manager of LAByrinth Theater.

With his background in the arts and passion for literacy, we are so excited to welcome him to our team!

Interview with Andrew

What about our mission at BtB inspires you?

As a child I struggled with reading and writing. Spelling and grammar were a challenge, and I read very slowly. These struggles made me resistant to reading books and writing. When I look at the amazing program that Behind the Book delivers, especially all the different ways that it engages students, I wish that I had experienced the program myself as a child. Being engaged by the written word and feeling comfortable with writing are essential for developing one’s own ideas, self-expression, and identity.

What do you hope to contribute to BtB's existing culture?

Prior to my official start date of July 6th, I’ve had the chance to meet with most of the staff and board. What is clear to me is that a wonderful culture of passion and dedication already exists. As I continue to meet with everyone, my focus will be on listening to what works well, what they need and how I can best support them. In general, I will prioritize for the whole staff: professional development, healthy work/life balance, and individual ownership/accountability for the programs we deliver. I will also champion a feeling of joy and gratitude throughout the office.

What does BtB offer that other programs don't?

There is so much that Behind the Book offers! Two unique elements of the program that I think are really special are:

1. The variety of ways (drama, art, research, author visits, volunteering) we engage students. All students do not learn the same way and need different approaches to making the work meaningful. By using a variety of approaches, Behind the Book has the best chance of engaging the greatest number of students.

2. The books that students write collectively. Creating something tangible, that you can hold in your hands, share with family and friends, and be proud of, is an experience that can impact you for many years.

What are you most excited about to experience at BtB?

There is so much to be excited about, starting with collaborating with the whole team. I cannot wait to get into the schools, because I know that experiencing the impact of our work will be energizing. I am also looking forward to working with the wonderful board and developing a plan to expand our work to serve more kids. I am honestly so excited to experience all of it.