Wanda Jewell will retire as the executive director of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance next June, it was announced today. The organization will begin a search for a new director following the annual SIBA Discovery Show taking place in Spartanburg, S.C., next week. “Serving as SIBA’s executive director for the past 30 years has been the honor of my life," Jewell said.
SIBA president Kimberly Daniels Taws, general manager of the Country Bookshop in Southern Pines, N.C., remarked, "Wanda ushered Southern booksellers into the digital age working tirelessly to give everyone the skills to thrive. Her ‘try anything’ attitude has led to fun, silly times and but mostly to great innovations including the board's adoption of policy governance. We are grateful for all that Wanda has given SIBA. She has epitomized the heart of the organization by her energy, dedication, passion and creative nature."
