Betsey Brock

Betsey Brock

Development Director (she/her)

I’m SAL’s Development Director, which means I work to build the resources for SAL to do all the incredible things that it does with words, WITS, and writers, readers, and audiences. And what that really means is that I love creating a community centered around ideas and building relationships with people who are moved by SAL’s mission.

Most recently, I served as On the Boards’ Executive Director and on their Development team. Before that, I worked advancing feminism and media skills at Reel Grrls, and in various PR, marketing, and fundraising roles at the Henry Art Gallery. Further back, I worked at Nest Magazine, I sold books at Archivia Bookshop in New York and at Bailey/Coy Bookstore here in Seattle. Even further back, I was a puppeteer with the Bread and Puppet Theater, a performance artist, a lifeguard, and a camp counselor.

My favorite book as a kid was Beverly Cleary’s Ellen Tebbets. I think I identified with Ellen’s independence, her daydreaming, and her clumsiness in and enthusiasm for her ballet class. I think Beverly Clearly’s books show how the greatest friendships work.

On my desk, you’ll find four KF94 masks, some watercolor paper and pencils, a dog toy, and the following books: The Freezer Door by Matilda Bernstein Sycamore, Barkskins by Annie Proulx, Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell (spoiler, it’s about otters, and I adore otters), and an Italian cookbook—The Silver Spoon, a mail sorter made by the artist Dawn Cerny full of notes and cards, and a screen-printed bandana I received in the mail today from Alice Gosti’s performance company, Malacarne.

When I’m not working, you might find me seeing art, dance, and performance around town; swimming in Lake Washington, gardening, riding my bike, and spending time with my family in Vancouver, BC.