Board of Directors:
Kara Breitenstein, promotions manager, highwoods properties
David Ernst, president and founder of book-a-friend
Shelley McThomas Bryant, senior managing partner, the beatrice group, llc
Sheelagh Manheim, phd licensed psychologist
Pat Martin, bookkeeper
Cheryl Murray, book-a-friend
Will Leathem, prospero's bookstore
Amy Lucas, new letters, umkc
Bob Stewart, new letters, umkc
Gayle Terry, director of marketing, highwoods properties
Carolyn McCown Weeks, associate director for central services (johnson co. library)
Board Advisors:
Vivien Jennings rainy day books
Jack Jonathan president, stowers innovations
John Miller, legal counsel
Honorary Chairperson:
Jeannette Nichols
Festival Committee Chairs:
Valissa Smith, festival director
Melissa Anderson, director of volunteer services
David Ernst, director of programming
Polly Feigly, children's stage coordinator
Patty Fuhrman, exhibitor co-coordinator
Beth Herbers, director of logistics & author ambassadors
Jenni Landers, "road to the festival" coordinator
Will Leathem, poet's corner coordinator
Debra Hussey, director of community relations
Kate Leibsle, kl communications, director of marketing & media
April Long, manager human resources
John Meyers, culinary stage
Cheryl Murray, book-a-friend, area representative
Kristin Talmedge, plaza streetscape manager
Julia Webster, special events coordinator
Media Design:
Chuck Parish - Penguin Webs, LLC. web development
Festival Photographers:
Mark Sladovnik
Lara Espinoza
