We are pleased to announce that Romi Gutierrez has been named director of the University Press of Florida (UPF) following a national search.
Gutierrez has served UPF in various roles since 2004, most recently as associate director and director of sales and marketing. In this position she managed all aspects of sales and marketing for a frontlist of 80 new titles per year and a backlist of nearly 2,000 books in print. As a member of the management team, she has played an important part in UPF’s leadership and strategic planning. Her appointment as director began October 4th, 2019.
“Ms. Gutierrez contributes a strong business acumen, and comes to this role with proven leadership skills, as well as the respect of colleagues and peers necessary to lead the UPF and fulfill its mission of bringing scholarship to the world while prioritizing innovation and financial sustainability,” says Joseph Glover, provost and senior vice president of the University of Florida.
Gutierrez assumes leadership as UPF enters its 75th anniversary year. “I’m honored to be the new director of the University Press of Florida and excited that it coincides with the incredible milestone of the press’s 75th anniversary,” says Gutierrez. “My amazingly talented colleagues have planned a year-long celebration, from the publication of a 365-day tour through five centuries of Florida history to an open house ‘birthday party’ for the press. We are thrilled to have this moment to share our rich history and long tradition of producing lasting works of scholarly and creative value, as well as books that resonate with the people of this marvelous state.”
Gutierrez succeeds Meredith Morris-Babb, who retired after 14 years as director in June 2019 and continues to serve UPF in the capacity of senior acquisitions editor.
Founded in 1945 and celebrating 75 years in 2020, the University Press of Florida is the official publisher of the State University System of Florida. UPF has published over 2,500 books since its inception and currently releases approximately 80 new titles each year. Its publishing strengths include archaeology, history, literature, Latin American studies, African American studies, space studies, sustainability, and Florida history and culture. UPF engages educators, students, and discerning readers by producing works of global significance, regional importance, and lasting value.
The Florida Bookshelf 