Lisa Lucas
About Lisa Lucas
Lisa Lucas is the SVP and Publisher at Pantheon & Schocken Books, part of Penguin Random House in New York. She has a rich background in arts, culture, and literary advocacy, previously serving as Executive Director of the National Book Foundation.
Current Position at Penguin Random House
Lisa Lucas currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Publisher of Pantheon & Schocken Books at Penguin Random House in New York. In her role, she manages editorial operations and plays a key part in strategic decision-making for both imprints. Schocken Books focuses on Jewish literature, while Pantheon Books has a broader literary and historical focus.
Former Executive Director at National Book Foundation
From 2016 to 2021, Lisa Lucas served as the Executive Director at the National Book Foundation, the home of the prestigious National Book Awards. During her tenure, she led initiatives that significantly increased the foundation's budget and expanded its outreach programs. She was instrumental in the development and promotion of the 'Literary Activism' initiative aimed at engaging readers with literature.
Educational Outreach and Consulting Roles
Lisa Lucas has held various educational outreach and consulting roles. She served as a consultant for the Sundance Institute's Educational Outreach program from 2012 to 2013, worked as a curriculum developer at the San Francisco Film Society in 2012, and was a consultant for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in 2012. Additionally, she worked with Scenarios USA and Reel Works Teen Filmmaking, focusing on in-school programming and educational consulting.
Publishing and Editorial Experience
Lisa Lucas has extensive experience in the publishing and editorial sectors. Prior to her current role, she was the Publisher of Guernica Magazine from 2012 to 2016, where she oversaw the publication's editorial and operational activities. She's also served as a non-fiction co-chair for the Brooklyn Book Festival from 2012 to 2016, contributing to one of New York’s most prominent literary events.
Background and Education
Lisa Lucas studied at the University of Chicago from 1997 to 2001. She has a strong background in arts and culture, having also worked at the Tribeca Film Institute. Her professional journey includes significant contributions to the literary and educational fields, with roles that span across various organizations and initiatives aimed at promoting reading, literature, and cultural diversity.