Vancouver Writers Fest hires Jennifer Milley as managing director

Milley will work closely with festival’s artistic director, Leslie Hurtig, on year-round programming

THE VANCOUVER WRITERS Fest has announced it has appointed Jennifer Milley as its new managing director.

Milley will collaborate closely with the festival’s artistic director, Leslie Hurtig, overseeing financial management, logistics, and operations to support the event’s year-round programming.

Most recently, Milley was executive director of Pacific Theatre. A “self-proclaimed book nerd”, Milley has a bachelor’s of arts degree and a master’s of arts degree in English literature from the University of British Columbia. She brings an extensive background in fundraising, creative endeavours, and leadership to the role.

Milley will join the Writers Fest team in September in advance of the flagship festival's 37th edition, which takes place from October 21 to 27.

Featured

Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson is cofounder and associate editor of Stir. She is a Vancouver-based journalist who has earned local and national nominations and awards for her work. She is a certified Gladue Report writer via Indigenous Perspectives Society in partnership with Royal Roads University and is a member of a judging panel for top Vancouver restaurants.

Articles

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival returns for 2025, its most ambitious year yet

The fest features multiple events for all ages celebrating the city’s blooms

Open letter to provincial government calls for renewal of BC Fairs, Festivals and Events Fund

Local arts and culture organizations say “the clock is ticking” as they await answers from Premier David Eby and Spencer Chandra Herbert

Sundar Prize Film Festival announces 2025 edition, April 10 to 13

Second-annual event opens with Mahesh Pailoor’s Paper Flowers and closes with Enrique Vázquez’s Firma Aquí (Sign Here)

Comedian Kumail Nanjiani appears at Just for Laughs VANCOUVER, February 22

The artist got his big break on The Big Sick

Indigenous dance artist Lara Kramer’s Gorgeous Tongue makes Vancouver comeback at Matriarchs Uprising, February 21

The solo for Jeanette Kotowich addresses the choreographer’s mixed Oji-Cree and Mennonite ancestry

Stir Cheat Sheet: 3 shows to put on your radar for Just for Laughs VANCOUVER's second week

Amanda Montell’s rowdy Big Magical Cult Show, Ashley Gavin’s unmatched crowd work, and local standup stars at the Vancouver Art Gallery bistro

Stir Cheat Sheet: 5 events to check out at the 40th annual JCC Jewish Book Festival

The 2025 fest journeys from searing personal memoirs to hilariously neurotic short stories to a cookbook about modern Jewish cuisine

Yves Lambert et le Grand Orchestre, LeFLOFRANCO, Kutapira, and more perform at Festival du Bois, March 7 to 9

This year’s event features a diverse lineup of artists from Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, and B.C.

At Matriarchs Uprising, TOA III draws inspiration from Māori martial arts

Having its world premiere at the fest, the work merges the ancestral knowledge of mau rākau with contemporary dance

Vancouver International Wine Festival 2025 set to spotlight 121 wineries from 15 countries

Top picks from Napa Sauvignon Blanc to Columbia Valley Merlot, plus advice for hitting an international assortment at this year’s Bard on the Beach fundraiser