IBPA Hires Andrea Fleck-Nisbet as New CEO
Information Industry News
Manhattan Beach, CA. |. October 26, 2022
Following a three-month search, the Board of Directors of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) announced today that it has hired Andrea Fleck-Nisbet as the association’s new CEO effective November 1, 2022.
She will succeed Angela Bole, IBPA’s CEO of nine years, who in June announced her resignation and upcoming move to technology company Firebrand Group to assume the role of its next CEO.
Fleck-Nisbet comes to IBPA with an extensive and diverse background in publishing. Most recently, she was the founding vice president and publisher at Harper Horizon, a new nonfiction imprint of HarperCollins, based out of Nashville, TN.
Prior to that, she was the director of content acquisition for Ingram Content Group, where she developed initiatives that supported independent publishers of all sizes, using print- on-demand services to produce and distribute content.
Fleck-Nisbet spent her first 15 years in the publishing industry at independent publisher Workman Publishing, leading teams in special markets, sales, and digital marketing, including three years as executive director of digital strategy and operations.
She is excited to lead the premier association that has been representing independent publishers for 40 years. “There has never been a more exciting time to be part of independent publishing. Advances in consumer platforms, printing technology, distribution services and data management tools have allowed independent publishers to reach more readers, build stronger communities, and develop sustainable business practices outside of traditional publishing models,” said Fleck-Nisbet.
On IBPA’s role in the future of publishing, she said, “Continued consolidation within corporate publishing threatens to further stagnate innovation and accessibility, just when fresh perspectives and new models are most needed. No group is better poised to democratize book publishing than independent publishers, and no organization is better positioned to support them in that endeavor than IBPA.”
In June, the IBPA Board appointed a task force and a selection committee comprising board members, former and present board chairs, longtime members and staff to search for the next CEO. In addition, it hired executive search firm Bert Davis to assist in the recruitment and vetting of candidates.
“Andrea is a strategic thought-leader who will build on IBPA’s strong foundation and move us forward in innovative ways,” said IBPA Board Chair Karen Pavlicin of Elva Resa Publishing. “Her breadth of experience working with publishers of all sizes and business models, with a long history of supporting DEI initiatives and making data-driven decisions, will enhance opportunities across IBPA’s membership and the industry. I’m excited for both Andrea and Angela as they move forward in their new positions.”
Bole will remain with IBPA through the end of November, working closely with Fleck-Nisbet to assist with her onboarding and ensure a seamless transition.
“This is an exciting time for IBPA and its membership,” Bole said. “I look forward to seeing the growth and new energy Andrea will bring to the association, and I’m committed to ensuring a smooth transition for all.”
Added Fleck-Nisbet, “Angela, the board, and staff at IBPA have worked tirelessly over the past several years to develop a clear vision, set of values, and strategic plan for supporting members through educational programming, alliance-building, and advocacy.”
As incoming CEO, Fleck-Nisbet expressed her commitment to continuing the work of growing membership, serving the independent publishing community, and strengthening IBPA’s position as an organization that leads the industry to a more equitable, accessible and inclusive future.