The California Independent Booksellers Alliance announced that Ann Seaton, CALIBA’s former director of operations, and Kristin Rasmussen, general manager of {pages} a bookstore in Manhattan Beach, have been appointed co-executive directors of the association.
Seaton has been with the association for six years. Prior to the formation of CALIBA, she served as administrator and director of operations for the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association (NCIBA). She worked as bookseller, buyer, and manager in
independent bookstores for more than 30 years. Rasmussen took over as general manager of [pages} in 2017 and previously served as schools program coordinator for Books .Inc.
The duo are succeeding Calvin Crosby, who is leaving after becoming the co-owner of The King's English Bookshop in Salt Lake City, Utah. Seaton starts in the role on August 1 and Rasmussen will begin on August 23.
“Given the magnitude of California, its influential economy and its concentration of excellent independent bookstores, we recognize the need for dynamic, visionary, and responsive leadership and believe our members will be best served by the collaborative power of Ann and Kristin as we expand beyond this past year of global shutdown and explore the true opportunity in a California Independent Booksellers Alliance. I am so excited for what lies ahead," said CALIBA board president, Melinda Powers of Bookshop Santa Cruz.
