The Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick (WFNB) is delighted to welcome Brigitte Rivers as their new Executive Director.
Rivers has been a freelance writer since 2006, and is a published author and illustrator (under her pen name Brigitte Marsden). She has a background in publishing, marketing and web communications, as well as being an educator. A long-time member of WFNB, Rivers has supported the non-profit in a volunteer capacity as a regional representative.
“I am really excited to take on this key role in the Writers’ Federation,” Rivers said. “I have really appreciated their support , inputs and encouragement as a writer, especially launching out into unfamiliar territory as a children’s author. As well, through WFNB I learned about opportunities to connect with my audience in different ways thanks to the Writers in Schools Program and the Artists in Residency in Schools Program. I’m looking forward to working with a great team of dedicated board members and volunteers helping support other writers in reaching their goals.”
WFNB is the only organization in New Brunswick devoted solely and passionately to supporting writers and storytellers at all stages of development and in all genres. Their vision is to create community through words, and they offer writers of all levels of experience a welcoming and supportive home.
The WFNB community includes memoirists, corporate writers, poets, mainstream writers, short story writers, magazine editors, novelists, screenwriters, newsletter creators, high school students, book editors, university students, book club readers, spoken word artists, playwrights, and journalists.
Founded in 1985, WFNB began as a few friends gathered in a writer’s living room. Today, it is a province-wide organization with members living in every corner of New Brunswick, and across Canada.
WFNB’s mandate is to help New Brunswick writers to write, and to acquire the professional skills to achieve financial self-sufficiency as writers. They also aim to raise public awareness of literary culture by showcasing works of New Brunswick and other writers.
The non-profit accomplishes these goals through their core programs: WordSpring and WordsFall – which feature workshops on the craft and business aspects of writing – as well as the NB Writing Competition and the NB Book Awards, and other programming and events.
"Brigitte Rivers brings a wealth of enthusiasm and a breadth of experience in art, writing, teaching, and non-profit work that will serve her well as Executive Director of the WFNB,” Interim Executive Director Rhonda Bulmer said. “After two years of pandemic restrictions, the board and executive is hopeful that the coming year will bring a restoration of the community-based activities New Brunswick writers value. We are confident that Brigitte's leadership will help us make this a time of growth for our organization, and our members."
Rivers feels the federation’s logo reflects the nature of the organization.
“The WFNB logo features a vibrant tree that I think beautifully illustrates who we are: strongly rooted here in New Brunswick, resilient through challenging times, and continuing to grow and expand. I see in the leaves the different backgrounds, aspirations, genres and styles expressed in our members.”
