The Independent Book Publishers Association announced that IBPA board of directors has elected Patagonia Books director Karla Olson to her second term as board chair during its meeting on January 27. Olson’s second term will begin on July 1 and it will be her final year in the position.
In addition, the IBPA board nominating committee has selected seven candidates to stand for election to the association's board during the IBPA’s 2021 annual meeting to be held April 7. The candidates that are elected to the board will serve a two-year term staring July 1.
The candidates include Renita Bryant, founder and CEO of Mynd Matters Publishing; Maggie Langrick, founder and publisher of Wonderwell; John Maher, news and digital editor, Publishers Weekly; Candysse Miller, copublisher, director of marketing and communications, Interlude Press/Duet Books; Ashley Mireles, director of sales and marketing, Familius Publishing; Kristina Radke, v-p of business growth, NetGalley; and Kathryn Sparks, senior editor, American Academy of Pediatrics.
Thanking the board for her re-election, Olson cited the IBPA staff, board and volunteers for finding, “innovative ways to create community and support our members during this time of separation and unknowns, and to revamp services and benefits to meet the new normal.” She also noted the work of IBPA in addressing “inclusivity in our organization and the publishing industry as a whole. I’m honored that the board and members value this direction and I look forward to steering it for another year."
