For Immediate Release June 18, 2025 Write253’s Board of Directors announced today that long-time Executive Director, Michael Haeflinger, will be stepping down at the end of June. Since joining the organization in 2017, Haeflinger has been instrumental in developing and expanding the programming offerings. He brought Louder Than a Bomb to Tacoma, a five-year-running poetry event that fostered creativity and self-expression among youth. In 2019, he established Line Break Press, a letterpress printing program for teens that has since become a cornerstone of the organization. Most recently, Haeflinger oversaw the relocation of Write253 to its new home in the Community Hub at the Tacoma Public Library Main Branch. Also, under his leadership, Write253 has become a co-presenting organization of Tacoma Wayzgoose, a vibrant community event that celebrates letterpress, printmaking, and book arts. This event was held this past May at the Main Library and featured over 40 vendors and artists, nearly 4,000 attendees, and countless opportunities for young people to engage with printmaking and book arts through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Haeflinger’s impact on the lives of thousands of Tacoma youth is immeasurable. The Board of Directors expresses its gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the organization and the community. As he embarks on new opportunities, the Board wishes him all the best. *About Write253* Write253 is a literary arts and printmaking organization dedicated to providing meaningful and transformative writing, publishing, and artistic experiences for teens and young adults in greater Tacoma. Our programs encompass in-school and after-school writing and printmaking programs in Tacoma/Pierce County schools, programming at the Remann Hall Juvenile Detention Center, college essay support for high school students in Tacoma, summer programs for local youth, as well as helping to produce Tacoma Wayzgoose, an annual printmaking and book arts festival. To ensure a smooth transition, the Board of Directors is committed to facilitating the process. Applications for the Executive Director position will be accepted immediately until July 15, 2025. Interested individuals, please get more information and learn how to apply on our by clicking here. <https://www.write253.org/executive-director-job-posting> Write253 www.write253.org