The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression has hired two consultants to manage its major fundraising projects--the auction of original children’s book art and an affiliate program for sideline producers who contribute to ABFFE a portion of their sales to independent bookstores. Kristen Gilligan Vlahos, the former director of meetings and events for the American Booksellers Association, is the new auction manager. Philip Turner, a former bookseller from Cleveland who is an independent book producer, editor and blogger, will oversee the affiliate program. “Like so many non-profits, ABFFE was short-staffed during the recession, so we are excited about getting the help that we need,” ABFFE president Chris Finan said. “We also feel very lucky to have found two people who have so much experience in the publishing industry and know booksellers so well.”