Maria Pallante Joins Association Of American Publishers

Maria Pallante

The Association of American Publishers (AAP) has hired former United States Register of Copyrights, Maria A. Pallante, as its President and CEO, succeeding Tom Allen who is retiring from the same position. Pallante will join AAP on Jan. 17, 2017.

Pallante exited her role leading the U.S. Copyright Office on Oct. 29, 2016 after five years when she was reassigned in October 2016 by new Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. Pallante resigned after declining the offer of a new role as digital strategy consultant. Pallante was regarded by the music community as being compassionate to artists and songwriters.

“Maria is a creative, forward-thinking leader who has earned the deep respect of Members of Congress as well as intellectual property experts around the world,” said YS Chi, Chairman of the AAP Board of Directors. “The Board believes she is an excellent choice for President and CEO as she brings to AAP considerable expertise in many of the issues facing the publishing industry.”

“I am deeply inspired by the values of the American publishing industry,” Pallante said. “Publishers promote literature, literacy, education, and research around the world, while advocating for free speech, creating jobs, and making considerable contributions to the global marketplace. It will be a privilege to represent these interests in matters of policy, trade and business.”

During her tenure at the U.S. Copyright Office, Pallante was a key advisor to the U.S. Congress, working with lawmakers to evaluate the efficacy and balance of the Copyright Act and to address issues at the intersection of law, business, and technology. Pallante and her staff produced policy studies, legislative recommendations, and strategic plans, working with a vast stakeholder community and thousands of public comments.

Prior to her appointment as Register, Pallante held two senior positions in the U.S. Copyright Office: Deputy General Counsel (2007–2008) and Associate Register and Director of Policy and International Affairs (2008–2010). From 1999 to 2007, she was intellectual property counsel and director of licensing and branding for the worldwide network of Guggenheim Museums, headquartered in New York. Earlier in her career, she worked briefly for the Authors Guild and National Writers Union, respectively, and was in private practice in Washington, DC.