EPA NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Evangelical Press Association board of directors is pleased to announce that longtime EPA member and former board member D'Arcy Maher has been chosen to serve the organization as executive director. "After a thorough search process and interviews of several qualified candidates, the EPA board feels fortunate to welcome such an ideal person to lead the association 'for such a time as this,' " said Dean Ridings, EPA president. "D'Arcy is 'one of us'-she has benefited from and contributed to the association through the years; she has a heart for God, a heart for our mission, and certainly a heart for our members as well." "EPA has been a significant part of my professional growth for several years," said Maher, "and the invitation to serve is both humbling and exciting. Previous directors leave remarkable footprints and their collective investment inspires gratitude." She added, "While challenges exist for media, I find hopefulness within EPA's membership. Members are unleashing extraordinary creativity, exploring solutions, and sharing innovations. There's no better time to be affiliated with EPA." In making the decision the search committee and board were impressed with Maher's commitment to and tenure in EPA, leadership roles with such organizations as the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) as well as her publishing experience. In addition to her service on the board, Maher has served on several convention committees, including one as chair. Maher will work with Lamar Keener, whose role as EPA's Business Manager has been expanded to Chief Financial Officer, in which he will oversee and manage the business and financial side of EPA as well as strategic partnerships. "The selection of D'Arcy and Lamar in their respective positions doesn't come as a surprise," said Doug Trouten, the outgoing Executive Director, who is passing the leadership baton May 31, after 11 years in that role. "D'Arcy is an experienced editor with a strong background in association work and event management. And Lamar is an experienced publisher and had already taken over the business side of EPA. They will be a good team." He added, "I continue to believe in EPA and to hope for a bright future for the organization," he added.           With a strong belief in the future of evangelical publishing, Maher will focus on developing programs, growing membership and resources across all levels to reach their full potential. She has been described as one of those unique individuals with both left and right brain capacity, who is creative and analytical with the leadership skills necessary to broaden EPA's influence in the publishing world and relevance to its members. Maher holds an M.Ed. from Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She has 15 years of association leadership experience and 12 years in magazine and book publication. In addition, Maher has experience in implementing comprehensive membership strategies, creating membership engagement opportunities and fundraising. Keener holds B.S. and M.A. degrees from Liberty University and is a licensed minister. He brings 25 years' experience in publishing and a decade in higher education administration. He has added a strategic perspective to the EPA's financial management, analysis and administrative functions. Maher and her husband, Tom, live in Colorado Springs.