PW has learned that Josalyn Moran is leaving her post as children’s publishing director at Chronicle Books after just one year, for a new job as v-p, publishing at Albert Whitman & Company. Her last day at Chronicle will be May 21, and she will start at Whitman on May 24.
Moran’s new role will have her leading the editorial team at Whitman, which is best known for the classic Boxcar Children Mysteries series. Moran said, “As a child, as a parent, and as a retailer, Gertrude Chandler Warner’s storytelling has always inspired me. I look forward to continuing my long relationship with the Boxcar Children and to growing the Albert Whitman list of high-quality books for kids as we move towards our 100th anniversary.”
Moran, who had been v-p of children’s books at Barnes & Noble for nine years prior to joining Chronicle, was hired in June 2009 to oversee and spearhead the growth of the company’s children’s publishing program, encompassing books and other formats. During her year at Chronicle, Moran worked on expanding the publishing programs for the Ivy & Bean series and the World Almanac decks and workbooks. Before Moran went to Chronicle, the company had been without a children's publishing director since the departure of Bill Boedeker in December 2008; Boedeker had been in the position for just under two years, having succeeded founding publisher Victoria Rock. Chronicle is currently looking for someone to replace Moran.
Moran relocated to San Francisco for the Chronicle job, and will move to the Chicago area for Whitman. She will attend BEA on behalf of Whitman.
