(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the promotion of Gary Davidson to the position of Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Thomas Nelson’s Bible Group. Davidson brings over twenty years of experience working with Christian products. He has worked for Thomas Nelson for thirteen years, leading Thomas Nelson’s Christian Retail Sales team for the last eight, and the Ministry Development and Church Direct team for the last two.

“I am confident that Gary is the right person to lead our Bible team,” said Mark Schoenwald, president and chief operating officer of Thomas Nelson. “Gary has a distinguished track record of building strong business units by casting vision, building cohesive teams, executing plans, and anticipating the needs of our customers.”

Thomas Nelson veteran and Bible scholar Bob Sanford will return to the company to act as Vice President and Associate Publisher of the group. Sanford, who has worked intimately with the Bible category over the lastthirty years, has unparalleled experience and vast knowledge of the business.

Schoenwald continued, “Bob’s intimate Bible knowledge makes him the perfect compliment to Gary. Working side-by-side they will help strengthen the core of our business, our Bible, reference, and curriculum division.”

Tom Knight will be promoted to fill Davidson’s current role as Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Ministry Development. With over 10 years of experience working in Christian retail, Knight has demonstrated the ability to develop strong teams through his hands-on management and the ability to build alignment around strategic plans. Knight’s successor has not been appointed, although leadership is evaluating several options and hoping to make an announcement as quickly as possible.

“I am so excited about the privilege of leading Thomas Nelson’s Bible Group,” said Davidson. “They are a strong and passionate team doing extraordinary work to make the Word more accessible for readers around the world. I am leaving the Christian Retail and Ministry team in Tom’s very capable hands. Our working relationship, and my new role, open up new possibilities for creating great Bible, reference, and curriculum products for our Christian and Ministry retail partners.”

NASHVILLE, TENN–The Christian publishing industry lost a colleague and friend when Laura Kendall, long time editor for Word Publishing and Thomas Nelson, died this week in Nashville, Tennessee.  Laura had retired from Thomas Nelson in 2005, after two decades of editing books by bestselling Christian authors including Max Lucado, Billy Graham, Ruth Bell Graham, Anne Graham Lotz, Charles Swindoll, Barbara Johnson and Tony Campolo.  She was still providing freelance editorial services and consultation from her home in Nashville until last week.  Laura fought a brief battle with pneumonia and went to be with her Lord on September 2.  She is survived by two nieces and two nephews and many who counted Laura as a spiritual sister and devoted friend.

Laura Kendall was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1938.  She earned three degrees including a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Mercer University, Macon, GA), a Bachelors of Divinity (Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) and a Masters in Sacred Music (Northwestern University).  She worked as a voice teacher and then as an account executive for publicity agency Hahn Crane and Associates in Evanston, IL.  She joined Word Publishing (Waco, TX) in 1978 as Director of Publicity and soon moved into an editorial role, eventually earning the title of Senior Editor.  Ernie Owen, former Publisher at Word, recalls Laura’s unique gift: “Many authors owe a debt of gratitude to Laura.  She had an uncanny sense or feeling for dealing with people and manuscripts.” Laura continued to serve Word and its authors when the publishing company moved to Dallas and later to Nashville (as a division of Thomas Nelson).  She officially retired in 2005 but continued working as a freelance editor and consultant.  Beyond sharing her professional skills, Laura shared her heart with authors and colleagues alike, and her presence will be missed as both an editor and a friend.

Laura was recognized for her professional expertise but also for many personal talents and graces treasured by her friends.  She possessed a trained soprano voice and sang with her choir at Glendale Baptist and was known for her elegance, her love of music, and what one friend called “her daily loveliness.”

A memorial service in Nashville is being planned for later in September.  Cards and letters for the family may be sent care of Debbie Nichols at Thomas Nelson, Inc. (Post Office Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214).

Contact:
Pamela McClure
pamela@mmpublicrelations.com
615-595-8321

“The company’s mission to inspire others through God’s Word matches my personal mission,” notes Ballerini. “Thomas Nelson is a place where my Christian values and beliefs will be supported, strengthened, and utilized to fuel the professional marketing efforts for some of the most dynamic Bible and study products available today. I am excited by both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Carla Ballerini’s experience in marketing, communications and public relations spans more than two decades of achievement with major product and service corporations nationwide.  She established Ballerini Marketing in 1992, where she created marketed materials and creative advertising campaigns for companies throughout the Southeast for which she has received numerous Addy Awards for national creative campaigns for Philips Consumer Electronics Company, Philips Business Solutions, Ski Beech, Shoney’s Restaurants, Y-12 Federal Credit Union, and others.

Prior to establishing Ballerini Marketing, she served as Senior Vice President of The Rowland Company, one of the largest public relations and marketing communications agencies in the world and a division of Saatchi & Saatchi Company PLC, London.
Carla Ballerini has directed a variety of award-winning national marketing communications campaigns including the launch of Philips’ Compact Disc Interactive (CD-i) technology; TEDDY RUXPIN, the first animated talking toy; LAZER TAG, a unique infrared light technology toy; Intelligy Corporations’ WINGS early learning program; Polaroid’s Cool Cam, Honey Hill Farms frozen yogurt and Cooper Wiring Devices’ Aspire RF and MediaSync.

“Carla’s experience offers a fresh outlook to our team” comments Hastings. “We’re excited to have her join us in our vision of offering Bible, reference, and curriculum products that inspire the world.”

Contact:    Brenda Smotherman
Publicist
tel:    (615) 902-2231
fax:    (615) 902-1132
web:    www.thomasnelson.com

Mark Schoenwald immediately assumes the duties of President and Chief Operating Officer. All of the company’s publishing, marketing, and sales will be consolidated under him. Schoenwald, who has served as Nelson’s Chief Sales Officer since 2004, will continue to report to Hyatt.

“Mark is a proven leader who is willing to tackle the tough issues and get everyone working together toward a common goal,” said Hyatt. “Under his leadership, we will be well positioned to meet the challenges we face in today’s difficult marketplace and to be successful as the economy begins to recover.”

With this change, Tami Heim steps down as Executive Vice President and Chief Publishing Officer. In her four years at Thomas Nelson, Heim was responsible for consolidating all of Nelson’s publishing imprints under the Thomas Nelson brand.  

“Tami will be greatly missed. She has contributed in innumerable ways, not the least of which was helping us view our business from a retailer’s point-of-view,” Hyatt continued. “We appreciate her hard work and devotion during her tenure at Thomas Nelson.”

With Schoenwald’s expanded focus on day-to-day operations, Hyatt will be freed up to concentrate on the publishing products. He will be more intimately involved with author acquisitions, author relations, and product development.

“The publishing landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years and I believe it will continue to evolve,” said Hyatt. “In this environment, it is critical that we have a sharp eye on developing WOW products and ensuring that they are available in the formats that our readers desire. As CEO, this will be my primary focus.”

Stuart Bitting, Chief Financial Officer, and Mary Graham, Chief Live Events Officer, will continue to report to Hyatt.

Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:

Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel:    (615) 902-1109
fax:    (615) 902-1110
web:    www.thomasnelson.com
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today that Dale Wilstermann will lead Thomas Nelson’s Non-Fiction Trade Group as the Vice President of Marketing, effective March 2. Wilstermann has spent the last three years at Thomas Nelson, in the positions of both Vice President of ABA Religious Sales and Vice President of E-tailer Sales - where he has guided Thomas Nelson’s online sales division.  Wilstermann brings more than 15 years of sales and retail experience into the job, including extensive time at both Strang Communications and Integrity Publishers.

“Our Non-Fiction Trade Group is blessed to have someone of Dale’s caliber moving into this position,” said David Moberg, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Nelson’s Non-Fiction Trade Division. “We believe that, as the marketing and publicity of books evolves almost daily and continues to grow within the electronic and non-traditional mediums, Dale is the perfect person to lead and direct the continued growth of this important division within Thomas Nelson.”

Prior to joining Thomas Nelson in 2006, Wilstermann served as Vice President of Key Accounts at the aforementioned Integrity Publishing in Franklin, TN.  Wilstermann is a graduate of Oakland University in Rochester, MI, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science.

“Thomas Nelson is one of the most innovative and inspiring publishers in the business,” said Wilstermann. “I look forward to contributing my own talent and experience to the exciting work the Non-Fiction Trade Group is already engaged in and to being a part of a team with such a promising future and tremendous growth potential.”

Wilstermann is a native of Shelby Township, MI.  His wife, Vicki, and their children, Jacob and Jordan, currently reside in Franklin, Tennessee.

# # #

Thomas Nelson is a leading provider of Bibles, products, and live events emphasizing Christian, inspirational and family value themes.  For more information, visit our website www.thomasnelson.com.

Contact:    Jason Jones
Publicist - Business, Culture and General Interest

Tel: (615) 902-2344   

Fax: (615) 902-12129
E-mail: jjones@thomasnelson.com

“Our international licensing team has averaged 21% growth each of the last four years,” said Tod Shuttleworth, Senior Vice President and Group Publisher of Nelson’s Specialty and Global Publishing Division. “And we are seeing dynamic growth throughout our international divisions. Daisy’s extensive international experience will be an important addition to our team as we plan on the continued growth of Thomas Nelson’s global publishing.”

Hutton most recently served as the Rights Director at the Harvard Business Press in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to her work at Harvard Business Press, Daisy worked for Perseus Books Group and two prominent literary agencies. Hutton is a graduate of the University of Mississippi in Oxford, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Art in French and English Literature.

“Thomas Nelson is one of the most innovative and inspiring publishers in the business and has been an industry leader in the commitment to building a truly global publishing platform,” said Hutton. “I look forward to contributing my own talent and experience to the exciting work the international team at Thomas Nelson is already engaged in and to being a part of a company with such a rich history and promising future.”

Over the next few weeks, Hutton, her husband Matt, and two sons Leo and Silas will be relocating to Nashville from their current home in Massachusetts.

For more information on Thomas Nelson’s international initiatives, visit www.thomasnelson.com/global.

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
Tel: (615) 902-1109
Fax: (615) 902-1110
E-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

(Nashville, Tenn.) Thomas Nelson, Inc. announced today the promotion of Rick Shear to the position of Vice President, Christian Retail Key Account Sales. In his new role, Shear will lead the Christian Retail Key Account team and will be responsible for the cultivation and continued growth of this integral sales channel.

Shear began his career at Thomas Nelson over 20 years ago, working as a Field Sales Representative in Kansas. For the last eight years, he has worked in Key Accounts of the Christian Retail Sales division, most recently working as a Key Account Director.

“Over the last several years our Christian retail key accounts have grown significantly. In order to keep the momentum building in these accounts, we need a strong leader who knows their business and can focus solely on their needs,” said Gary Davidson, Senior Vice President of Christian Retail Sales and Nelson Ministries. “Rick’s extensive experience in publishing and retail has given him a wonderful background for this role. His servant leadership style has made him a favorite with customers and colleagues alike.”

A native of Muncie, Indiana, Shear is a graduate of Ohio State University. He and his wife, Rachel, reside in Greenbrier, Tennessee, and have six children and one grandchild. He also serves in the National Guard and is a member of the 129th Army Band.

“I am honored to serve in a leadership position at Thomas Nelson,” said Shear. “Thomas Nelson’s purpose is to inspire the world and I feel privileged to be able to use my gifts to fulfill this calling.”

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
web: www.thomasnelson.com
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

“I ran the Country Music Half Marathon last year with about sixty-five employees and it was an awesome experience,” said Hyatt. “I was so proud of what we accomplished during the race. Also, I witnessed extraordinary personal and professional growth in each of the runners. The experience left them with an amazing sense of empowerment. As soon as I crossed the finish line, I began planning how we could recruit more Thomas Nelson team members – this was an experience I wanted to share.”

The offer Thomas Nelson made to employees interested in running the half marathon is hard to refuse. All employees to sign up and register with the Thomas Nelson team will receive a free t-shirt to wear during the race. Upon completion, runners will be reimbursed their registration fee and given $100 VISA gift card. Also, employees will be officially recognized and celebrated for their accomplishment in front of the whole company. Employees’ spouses who participate will also receive a free t-shirt and reimbursement for registration fees upon completion.

“I am really looking forward to the running the races this year, in spite of the fact that I am struggling with a common runner’s injury, plantar fasciitis. The thought of running with so many co-workers and friends is truly inspiring,” Hyatt continued. “I know this experience will continue to transform Thomas Nelson and encourage other companies to join us.”

Contact:
Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
cell: (615) 476-5984
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

(Dallas, TX) Thomas Nelson Live Events Chief Operating Officer Ann Montgomery announced today the addition of Lisa Dettweiler to the Thomas Nelson team. As Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Thomas Nelson Live Events, Dettweiler will be responsible for event ticket sales, marketing creative and production, event promotion, media relations, company branding and customer service.

“Lisa exudes our company’s vision to inspire the world and I welcome her to our team,” said Montgomery. “With her rich experience, demonstrated success and dynamic, heartfelt leadership. I know she will provide the guidance and direction needed to drive our sales and marketing objectives.”

Dettweiler spent the last nineteen years with Time Warner Cable and Comcast Cable Inc. leading various disciplines including Marketing, Sales, Customer Service, Public Relations, Operations and General Management. Most recently she served as the Vice President of Customer Operations for Time Warner’s North Texas Division. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

“I’m honored to be joining this remarkable company and management team,” said Dettweiler. “I have the opportunity to utilize my faith and past work experience to support the mission of Thomas Nelson Live Events. There is already a tremendous buzz about the Women of Faith conferences and The Revolve Tour; I look forward to spreading the word and impacting even more lives!”

Active in the community, Dettweiler is a past president of both the New Mexico chapter of the American Marketing Association and the New Mexico/Arizona chapter of Women in Cable and Telecommunications. She is currently a member of The Texas Chapter of WICT and the Cable Television Association of Marketing.

Thomas Nelson Live Events is a faith-based organization encouraging persons of all ages and stages in life to grow in faith and spiritual maturity. For more information and to purchase tickets for Women of Faith or Revolve conferences, visit our website www.womenoffaith.com or www.revolvetour.com.

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
web: www.thomasnelson.com
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com

Michael S. Hyatt, President and CEO of Thomas Nelson, stated, “David Dunham is an excellent publisher and a dear friend. We will miss him being on the Thomas Nelson team.” Hyatt continued, “We appreciate the hard work he has devoted during his tenure at Thomas Nelson. We wish him continued success in his new endeavors and look forward to collaborating with him in the future.”

Dunham is leaving to form his own company, working with authors and artists to expand their brand, image, and commercial value. His work with various talented individuals will include multiple media platforms including film and television, broadband initiatives, product licensing and endorsements. In addition, he will also continue his work in the publishing industry with consulting, packaging, and literary representation.

“This is a bittersweet time for me,” Dunham said of his recent resignation. “My five years at Thomas Nelson have been the most rewarding of my 32-year business career and I leave behind many close friends. My accomplishments and colleagues at Nelson are ones I will never forget. Additionally, I have been so fortunate and privileged to work with many great authors and agents. I look forward to exploring new media opportunities in the publishing world. I have the utmost respect and admiration for Mike Hyatt who has been a business colleague and a dear family friend for 30 years. I am confident that under his able and innovative leadership Nelson will continue to be a major force in the publishing industry.”

David Dunham graduated with a B.S. in Business from Baylor University in 1975. Upon graduation, he got his start in publishing at Word, Inc., at the time the largest Christian communications company in the nation. Dunham went on to work in publishing with several companies and has helped produce more than 25 New York Times bestsellers, including two #1 bestsellers.

Contact: Lindsey Nobles
Director of Corporate Communications
tel: (615) 902-1109
fax: (615) 902-1110
web: www.thomasnelson.com
e-mail: lnobles@thomasnelson.com