APA Committees
APA Conference (APAC)
The APAC committee plans the educational tracks of this premier event for audio professionals with focuses on business and performance. Planning committee members help line up speakers, craft programming focus, write copy for the conference descriptions, and assist in helping the day run smoothly. Meetings are held regularly with the association events team to build a strong and worthwhile event with plenty of networking opportunities for all.
BUSINESS TRACK CO-CHAIRS:
Laura Gachko, Recorded Books
Amy Metsch, Spiegel & Grau
PRODUCTION TRACK CO-CHAIRS:
Deanna Anthony, Narrator
PJ Ochlan, Narrator
The Audie Awards® Competition
The Audie Awards® competition is the only awards program in the United States devoted entirely to recognizing distinction in audiobooks and spoken word entertainment. This committee administers and ensures the integrity of the competition, coordinating the work of over 200 dedicated judges.
CHAIR: Mary Burkey, Librarian
The Audie Awards® Gala
The finalists and winners of The Audie Awards® competition are honored at a gala event. Members of the Audie Awards® Gala committee assist with the planning of this celebration including choice of venue and emcee, theme selection, program, and presentation preparation. Meetings are held regularly with the association events team.
CHAIRS:
Lauren Cannavino, OverDrive
Melissa Ellard, Scholastic Audio/Weston Woods
Nominations
The Nominations committee works with the board and the membership to identify eligible members to run for the board and keep those running informed about the process. Voting members (publishers) select a new board each year.
CHAIR: Ana Maria Allessi, Hachette Book Group
Research
The Research Committee is responsible for identifying and distributing data to APA members to help them understand and manage their audio businesses. The committee’s two largest projects are the annual Consumer and Sales Surveys. For both projects the committee determines what information the APA wants to know, identifies a firm to conduct the research, works with that firm to develop a questionnaire, and works with the PR & Events Committee to share results with members and to generate media interest in the results. Meetings are held throughout the year on an as-needed basis.
CHAIR: Lori Benton, Scholastic Audio
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Membership
The Membership Committee works to spread the word about the APA and its mission around the world. This includes working with other committees to enhance membership benefits and create new ways to better serve members. Committee members' participation includes such tasks as welcoming new members, planning and executing webinars, making the audiobook world more accessible to everyone and building the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives: our Mentorship Program, New Narrator Workshops, the Narration Resources Hub, and more.
CO-CHAIRS:
Dan Zitt, Penguin Random House Audio
Colleen Prendergast, Spotify
Membership Communications
The Membership Communications Committee is responsible for the content, look, and tone of the APA eNewsletters, Email Alerts, and Industry News Blog. They work to provide members with up-to-date information on programs and services as well as other industry updates. The eNewsletter is distributed monthly to its membership as an exclusive member benefit.
CHAIR: Eric Barnett, Supporting Cast
Narrator Education
Creates and recruits speakers for regular webinars focused on voice talent education.
CHAIR: Erin Bennett, Narrator
Voice Talent Ambassador Program
Voice talent members greet new voice talent members, introduce them to the organization, and are available to answer questions about membership.
CO-CHAIRS:
Romy Nordlinger, Narrator
Bob Souer, Narrator
Public Relations and Events (PRE)
Professionals from various areas of the audio publishing industry work together to increase the visibility and profile of audiobooks. Members of this committee meet regularly to create and share PR opportunities. Committee members do everything from coordinate events to stuff goodie bags to design creative marketing campaigns.
CHAIR: Cassie McNeil, RBMedia/Tantor Media
Sound Learning
This is a subcommittee of the PRE focusing on expanding and sharing information about the importance of audiobooks within the literacy cycle.
CHAIRS:
Andi Wollitz, Recorded Books
Jennifer Eschrich, Tantor Media