BISG Announces 2017 Industry Award Recipients

At its annual meeting of members on September 25 in Manhattan, the Book Industry Study Group presented its 2017 industry awards. Recipients include:

• Macmillan Learning CEO Ken Michaels, who received the organization’s 2017 Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes an individual’s outstanding work on behalf of BISG over the course of a career. Michaels, a past chair of BISG’s board of directors, led the association while also overseeing operations at major trade and educational publishers.
• Angela Bole (Independent Book Publishers Association) and Dave Cramer (Hachette Book Group), both recognized with the Industry Champion Award, given to an individual whose efforts have gone beyond the requirements of his or her position to advance the book industry
• SheWrites Press, recognized with the Industry Innovator Award, given to a company or individual who boldly reimagines what publishing is and can be. Founder Brooke Warner accepted the award.
• Graham Bell (EDItEUR), who received the Industry Connector Award, recognizing an individual whose work helps BISG serve as an information hub for the industry and best practices.
• Pat Payton (Bowker/Proquest), given the Standards Bearer Award, recognizing advocacy for industry standards and best practices.
• The BISG Rights Committee, recognized with the Explorer Award, given to an individual, group or project that has shaped the conversation about publishing. Ashley Mabbitt (John Wiley & Sons), outgoing chair of BISG’s Rights Committee, accepted the award.
• Connie Harbison (Baker & Taylor), given the Community Builder Award, recognizing significant work done to engage a representative set of stakeholders.
• In a surprise announcement, longtime BISG board member and volunteer Sally Dedecker (Sally Dedecker Enterprises) was presented with the BISG Lifetime Service Award, recognizing the tireless and persistent efforts, often unseen, of an individual working on behalf of the Book Industry Study Group.