Contact:
Tara Powers, Brian Burch
(616) 233-0500
tpowers@lambert-edwards.com
bburch@lambert-edwards.com
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., September 10, 2007 — Zondervan, the leader in Christian communications, has appointed Annette Bourland to the post of vice president and publisher for its children's products group, Zonderkidz.
Bourland comes to Zondervan after more than a decade with Colorado Springs-based Focus on the Family. Bourland joined Focus on the Family as an assistant editor for the ministry's Clubhouse and Clubhouse Jr. magazines for children. She was quickly promoted to associate editor and then to managing editor for Clubhouse Jr., a role she held for the past seven years. She also served as managing editor of the Discovery Years newsletter for four years. Prior to her time at Focus on the Family, Bourland served as an editorial assistant at Reader's Digest.
In her new role at Zondervan, Bourland will be responsible for overall management of the Zonderkidz editorial group. She will lead the collaboration between the editorial and creative teams as they develop innovative, biblically-based products that teach and inspire children—from toddlers to teens—to learn and live out their faith. She will also serve on the Zonderkidz executive leadership team along with her colleagues from marketing and sales.
"Annette brings a strong editorial background with her to this position, as well as a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of what's required to produce relevant content to reach children with the message of God's love and to build within them a strong spiritual foundation," said Scott Bolinder, executive vice president and publisher of Zondervan. "The Zonderkidz mission is to inspire young lives and I'm excited to see the new and innovative ideas Annette will bring to the talented team we've already assembled."
In addition to her work experience, Bourland also has had several pieces published. She was the co-author of Zondervan's Young Women of Faith Bible, and developed elementary and middle school curriculum with Cook Communications, as well as curriculum for the National Day of Prayer. She also has had several articles published in a variety of magazines.
Bourland is a native of Western Michigan. She holds a B.A. from Hope College and an M.B.A. from the University of Colorado.
Zondervan, a
HarperCollins company, is a world leader in Christian communications and the leading Christian publishing brand. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with offices in San Diego and Miami, Zondervan conducts events and publishes its bestselling
Bibles,
books,
audio,
video,
curriculum,
software, and
digital products through its
Zondervan,
eZondervan,
Zonderkidz,
Youth Specialties,
Editorial Vida, and
National Pastors Convention brands. Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by
Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan on the Internet at
www.zondervan.com (mobile site:
zvan.mobi).
Zonderkidz™, a division of
Zondervan, inspires young lives through imagination and innovation. As the leader in Christian children's communications, it produces bestselling and award-winning
Bibles,
books,
board books,
graphic novels,
audio,
video, and
digital products that awaken the hearts and touch the souls of kids under 16 and the people who love them, from family members to educators. Zonderkidz is the publisher of the
NIrV (New International Reader's Version) Bible translation, the 3rd-grade reading level edition of the
NIV that is ideal for children and those who speak English as a second language. Visit Zonderkidz on the Internet at
www.zonderkidz.com.