What's Happening?
The New Atlantic Independent Booksellers Association (NAIBA) has announced the appointment of Liz Hottel as its incoming executive director. Hottel will succeed Eileen Dengler, who is set to retire in 2026 after serving as NAIBA's first and only executive director since
1999. Hottel, based in Silver Spring, Maryland, has a background in television and documentary production before transitioning to bookselling. She spent nearly a decade at Politics & Prose, focusing on event management and creative programming. Hottel has already begun training in all aspects of NAIBA's operations and will work alongside Dengler throughout the next year to ensure a smooth transition. Dengler will continue her involvement with NAIBA's Professional Booksellers School through 2027. Hottel's previous roles include head of programming at Bold Fork Books, where she gained attention for innovative programming and spotlighting A-list authors.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Liz Hottel as NAIBA's executive director marks a significant leadership transition for the organization, which serves booksellers in several states and the Washington, D.C. metro area. Hottel's experience in event management and programming, along with her consulting work with indie bookstores, positions her to bring fresh ideas and strategies to NAIBA. Her leadership is expected to strengthen the association's support for booksellers, particularly in adapting to challenges such as the shift to virtual programming during the pandemic. This transition is crucial for maintaining the vitality and relevance of independent bookselling in the region, as NAIBA continues to advocate for the industry.
What's Next?
As Liz Hottel takes on her new role, she will focus on ensuring a seamless transition and continuing the work of her predecessor, Eileen Dengler. Hottel's plans include enhancing NAIBA's event programs and cultural partnerships, as well as supporting booksellers in defining their visions and improving their business practices. The organization will likely see new initiatives aimed at fostering community and innovation among booksellers. Stakeholders, including NAIBA's board and member booksellers, are expected to support Hottel's leadership and contribute to the association's ongoing development.
Beyond the Headlines
Hottel's appointment highlights the evolving landscape of bookselling, where adaptability and creative programming are increasingly important. Her background in media production and bookselling suggests a potential for integrating multimedia and cross-disciplinary approaches to engage audiences. This leadership change may also reflect broader trends in the industry, where independent bookstores are seeking innovative ways to compete with larger retailers and digital platforms.
