Kennedy Resigns as SFWA President

Jeffe Kennedy sent the following message to members of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association:

Dear SFWA members, friends, and all in the larger SFF and cross-genre community,

I’m writing today to announce my resignation as President of SFWA. I’ve served in this role for over three years and on the Board of Directors for more than seven years. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve this organization.

However, the last several months have been particularly demanding in my personal life, and I have come to the realization that I can no longer provide the focused attention SFWA needs from its President. Without going into too much detail, I continue to be the sole caregiver and financial support for my disabled husband, whose progressive condition is worsening. In addition, my stepfather of twenty years passed away suddenly, widowing my elderly mother for the third time, and I am in the process of taking over all of her finances and care. These family obligations will require far more attention than I could have anticipated when I accepted the nomination to serve a second term as SFWA President.

My legal and fiscal responsibility to SFWA—and my own personal integrity—prevent me from commenting on any issues related to SFWA’s administration and operations. Throughout my tenure I did my best to serve the organization and all of its constituents with sincerity and respect, and to fulfill all of the duties I was elected to perform. Now it is time for me to step back.

I strongly believe in SFWA’s mission, and I urge any who may be experiencing doubts about their position or their service to remain. SFWA plays an important role in the professional lives of SFF creators and we are only as strong as the people who work toward furthering SFWA’s mission.

Thank you, all, for this opportunity to serve SFWA and the larger SFF and cross-genre writing community. I have truly enjoyed working with all of you wonderful creators, and I’m proud of all that we have accomplished during my tenure on the Board of Directors and as President. I am confident that SFWA will continue to support its members and I wish the Board of Directors, the incoming President, and all staff the best for the future.

This resignation serves as my last act as President.

Sincerely,

Jeffe Kennedy

Kennedy’s tenure as president began in July 2021. The current vice-president is Chelsea Mueller. For more about the organization, visit the SFWA site.

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