FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FEBRUARY 26, 2006
Contact: Lori Low
(415) 821-3080 x13
llow@childrensbookpress.org
Lorraine García-Nakata to Head Children’s Book Press
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Children’s Book Press (CBP), the multicultural children’s book publisher, announces Lorraine García-Nakata as the new Executive Director. García-Nakata, hired on February 1, 2007, will direct the strategic focus of the organization, overseeing all publishing and financial operations.
Lorraine García-Nakata brings over thirty years experience developing and implementing progressive models in the arts and culture realm. Through leading efforts at The Mexican Museum and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco, García-Nakata gained expertise in museum management and economic and fund development. She also brings a host of philanthropic experience in both the public and private foundation sectors. A recipient of the California Arts Council Fellowship, García-Nakata is a recognized international artist and a multi-professional writer.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors and Children’s Book Press,” said John Uselman, CBP Board President, “I welcome Lorraine as the new Executive Director. We look forward to her upholding our long-standing tradition of excellence while leading efforts to better reach and serve the community.”
García-Nakata arrives at Children’s Book Press during a critical time as the independent publishing house transitions to a new book distributor and is scheduled to relocate its office in the spring.
“Over the next five years,” states García-Nakata, “We are looking to forge new international partnerships, increase fund development efforts, examine new technologies, and explore incorporating issues of mixed race, transnational and complex identity into our books. We will also be deepening our work as it relates to preschool-aged children. Through these efforts we will further the leadership role of Children’s Book Press, its mission, and its financial success.”
Children’s Book Press currently publishes literature from the Latino, African American, Asian American, and Native American communities set in the contemporary United States. Founded in 1975, the press is a pioneer in creating an authentic literature of inclusion, giving young people a sense of their history, culture, and importance.
“The written word is extremely powerful,” says García-Nakata. “It is especially poignant when written in what America’s first people term ‘first voice’—from within and by the culture. It’s gratifying to work with such a hard-working and professional team who values and respects the ‘first voice.’ I look forward to working with the staff and the Board of Directors on publishing literature that will inspire the lives of youth for generations to come.”
