The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers’ Board of Directors is made up of dedicated individuals who work closely with Alliance staff to support our work with teens through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and other programs. 

Billy DiMichele, a longtime advocate and devoted supporter of the Awards, officially joined the Alliance’s Board of Directors in February 2024. Currently the Senior Vice President of Creative Development & Corporate Social Responsibility at Scholastic Inc., Billy has produced hundreds of Scholastic’s multi-media events and videos and overseen numerous large-scale creative/marketing initiatives during his 27 years at the company. 

As a producer, his career highlights include Harry Potter Place, a live, interactive outdoor experience on the streets of NYC attended by more than 20,000 people for the launches of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007); An Evening with Harry, Carrie & Garp, a literacy event and fundraiser with J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and John Irving at Radio City Music Hall; the Open Book Tour, J.K. Rowling’s final U.S. Harry Potter book tour; Harry Potter & the Cursed Child Muggle Mob—a flash mob event outside Scholastic’s NYC world headquarters to celebrate the launch of the book; as well as 26 consecutive Scholastic Art & Writing Awards National Ceremonies. 

In 2008, Billy launched a series of live and pre-recorded educational webcasts in schools nationwide and around the world. To date, more than 150 million students and teachers have tuned in to virtually visit iconic landmarks, explore history and science, better understand the nuances of mathematics, and listen to literary and music icons like J.K. Rowling, David Baldacci, Taylor Swift, and Usher discuss books, reading, and writing. 

More recently, he has focused his efforts on growing Scholastic’s Corporate Social Responsibility profile by forging strategic partnerships with organizations like Save the Children, Crystal Bridges Museum, PEN America, and The Kelly Clarkson Show. 

Billy is the recipient of multiple Webby and Telly Awards, as well as a 2002 Emmy® Award and has served on multiple boards, including America Gives Back, The Actors Company Theatre, and Lumos. Billy attended NYU, Tisch School of the Arts and resides in New York City. 

Stay tuned for more introductions to the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers’ Board of Directors on our blog.