The Board of Directors of the San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) announced the departure of executive director Lilly Gonzalez, marking the end of an important chapter in the organization’s history. Gonzalez significantly increased the visibility of the organization’s eponymous event, the San Antonio Book Festival, and substantially expanded SABF’s year-round programming.
“Lilly has been a tremendous leader and advocate for the literary community here in San Antonio,” said Chuck Parrish, Chair of the SABF Board of Directors. “Her passion, vision, and dedication have helped elevate the book festival, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions. Lilly has left a strong foundation upon which the book festival can continue to build.”
Since joining SABF as communications director in 2015 and transitioning to executive director in 2019, Gonzalez has been a driving force behind the Book Festival’s growth: the signature event continues to reach record attendance numbers every year; brings hundreds of literary luminaries to the city; and presents conversations that express the full breadth and depth of what San Antonians care about. Under her leadership, Gonzalez has ensured that SABF remains both a local treasure and advanced its national reputation.
In her first year at the helm, Gonzalez led the organization’s separation from the San Antonio Public Library Foundation and acquisition of nonprofit status. During her tenure, she steered SABF through the global pandemic; navigated the challenges of virtual programming with a record 213 authors, one of the largest virtual book festivals nationwide; and oversaw a new brand identity that nods to SABF’s heritage and growth.
Gonzalez also used her position to advance SABF’s mission of uniting readers and writers in a celebration of books by broadening numerous educational programs and public programs that connect San Antonio readers to literature. Gonzalez grew the Authors in Schools programming with a commitment to the San Antonio Independent School District and Edgewood Independent School District. Over the past three years, SABF has provided over 10,000 books to students and teachers and brought dozens of award-winning authors to San Antonio schools. Gonzalez pioneered new SABF partnerships in the community through collaborations with the 80/20 Foundation, Ambassador Theatre Group, Alamo Colleges District, Carver Community Cultural Center, the Contemporary at Blue Star, Gemini Ink, Nowhere Bookshop, and Texas Public Radio, deepening SABF’s local impact.
“It’s been a privilege to serve as executive director of an organization so near and dear to my heart. I’ve been lucky to work alongside talented people who love the mission as much as I do and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together,” said Gonzalez. “The book festival has always been about fostering a love of reading, reaching every part of our city, and I have no doubt the festival will continue to thrive and grow in the years ahead.”
Gonzalez will be staying in San Antonio to join the San Antonio Report as its chief of staff. The Board of Directors will appoint an interim director before Gonzalez’s departure at the end of October and will begin a search for a new executive director. As the festival enters its 13th year in 2025, planning continues and book submissions remain open until the end of this year.
“The San Antonio Book Festival has experienced tremendous growth since 2013 while making a lasting, positive impact in our community, and we are thankful for Lilly’s leadership and dedication,” said Katy Flato, founding executive director and member of the SABF Board of Directors. “We also owe a great deal of gratitude to the SABF’s staff for all their work as we plan for continued success in the future. Together, the board, staff, volunteers, partners and steadfast supporters will continue to celebrate books and authors, and ensure that literature has a prominent place in San Antonio’s culture.”
Lilly Gonzalez, SABF’s then Communications Director, and Literary Director Clay Smith introducing The Moth Mainstage at the Majestic Theatre in April 2017
(L to R): SABF Educational Outreach Director Jennifer Maestas, SABF Executive Director Lilly Gonzalez, and Contemporary at Blue Star Executive Director Mary Heathcott at a teacher recognition reception held at the Contemporary in May 2022.
SABF’s then Deputy Director delivering opening remarks at the GET LIT event featuring Julian Castro in November 2018
SABF’s Executive Director delivering opening remarks at the 2023 Book Appétit Literary Feast featuring James McBride
(L to R): Alamo Colleges District’s Associate Vice Chancellor of Art, Culture, and Community Impact Eric Castillo, Ph.D., SABF Literary Director Anna Dobben, SABF Executive Director Lilly Gonzalez, Cassandra Nowicki-Parker, Executive Director of the Carver Community Cultural Center, and Dr. Mike Flores, Chancellor of the Alamo Colleges District, backstage at the GET LIT event featuring Michele Norris in February 2024
Staff members from SABF and the Carver Community Cultural Center photographed with Jacqueline Woodson following an Authors in Schools collaboration in October 2023
SABF Executive Director Lilly Gonzalez helping author Pedro Martin sign books at Longfellow Middle School for the Authors in Schools program (April 2024)
SABF Literary Director Clay Smith and Executive Director Lilly Gonzalez introduce The Moth Mainstage in 2019
Lilly Gonzalez kicking off the opening ceremony of the 10th annual SABF in 2022
SABF’s Executive Director Lilly Gonzalez delivering opening remarks at the 2022 Book Appétit Literary Feast featuring Susan Orlean
Then Deputy Director Lilly Gonzalez helps distribute books and supplies to students from the Boys and Girls Club at the BiblioTech East branch before an Authors in Schools event featuring Jason Reynolds in April 2018
SABF Executive Director and author Jose Olivarez at the 11th annual San Antonio Book Festival in 2023
Author Luis Alberto Urrea and then Deputy Director Lilly Gonzalez at the 8th annual SABF in 2018
SABF Founder Katy Flato, Literary Director Clay Smith, and Executive Director Lilly Gonzalez at the Epilogue party following the 7th annual San Antonio Book Festival in April 2019
Executive Director delivering remarks at the Epilogue party following the 12th annual San Antonio Book Festival in 2024
