Longtime book industry professional Beth Ineson will succeed Steve Fischer as executive director of the New England Independent Booksellers Association (NEIBA).
In an announcement, NEIBA board president Laura Cummings of White Birch Books said that Ineson, who has previously worked as a publisher rep and field sales director, “was the unanimous choice of the search committee and of the board and brings a depth of experience that will serve the association well.”
Ineson comes to the position with more than a quarter century of experience in the book trade in New England. She previously held posts at Yale University Press, Globe Pequot, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and America’s Test Kitchen. She is also an adjunct instructor with Emerson College’s Writing, Literature, and Publishing Department.
“Independent bookstores are the beating heart of the book business,” said Ineson, who previously worked as a bookseller at Economy Books, a Syracuse, N.Y.–based indie bookstore that closed in 1992. “I’m thrilled to be more actively involved in furthering [their] role as the preeminent place to discover great books, find community, and nurture readers of every age.”
Fischer announced his intent to retire in October, after 11 years as executive director. During his tenure, he led the expansion of the 300-member organization’s annual show and conference and launched the All About Books author pitch program for forthcoming titles. He will join Ineson at the American Booksellers Association’s Winter Institute in Memphis from January 22-25.
