Information Courtesy of the City of Scottsdale

Photo by Erin Perre

Poet, editor and educator Lois Roma-Deeley has been selected as the city of Scottdale’s new poet laureate. She is the founding director of the Women Writers Workshop at Arizona State University, currently serves as associate editor of Presence, an international poetry journal, and is an emeritus professor at Paradise Valley Community College.

As Scottsdale’s poet laureate, she will serve as an ambassador of Scottsdale’s vibrant literary culture and will enhance the profile of poetry, poets and literary arts to the entire community through workshops, performances, and advocacy.  

Roma-Deeley was selected following a competitive process and review by a committee that included Scottsdale’s poet laureate emeritus and staff from Scottsdale Arts, Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale Public Library and the city’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in creative writing from Arizona State University. She also earned a doctorate in interdisciplinary studies with a primary emphasis in poetry from The Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Roma-Deeley is the author of four books of poetry: “The Short List of Certainties,” “High Notes,” “northSight,” and “Rules of Hunger,” and has published work in several literary journals and anthologies. 

“I am pleased to have Lois Roma-Deeley as Scottsdale’s next great poetic voice,” says Mayor David D. Ortega. “Her work will enhance the profile of poetry, poets, and literary arts throughout Scottsdale—especially for those with less access or exposure to poetry.”

“The City of Scottsdale has always honored the arts, in spirit and in substance,” adds Roma-Deeley. “I believe poetry lives in this City’s strength, energy and vision. It is my distinct honor to serve as Poet Laureate and look forward to the next four years.”

Roma-Deeley recently began her appointment, taking over from Scottsdale’s first poet laureate, Bob Frost (2010-2021). She will serve her term until Dec. 24, 2024. To learn more about Roma-Deeley, including seeing examples of her work, visit loisroma-deeley.com. You can also follow her on Facebook (@lois.romadeeley), Twitter (@Roma_Deeley), and Instagram (@lois_roma_deeley).