For several months over the spring, the POP Project was actively searching for new board members. Today, we are happy to announce that we have three new members who are dedicated to advancing POP’s mission in the community.
New Board Members
Elizabeth Garzarelli, Acting Spokesperson
Elizabeth has years of experience working with publishers like Golden Books and currently works as an executive recruiter for a search firm focused on clients in the education sector. As acting spokesperson, Elizabeth will be our contact to the public should the executive director be unavailable or have a conflict of interest.
Leslie Hawkins, Vice Chair
Leslie is the owner of Spellbound Children’s Bookshop in Reynold’s Village, which has been in Asheville for over 10 years, and a host to one of the POP Project’s dropboxes. As vice chair, Leslie will preside over board meetings in the absence of the director.
Rosanna Mulcahy, Treasurer
Rosanna is the owner of Norbury Books & Cafe, a mystery-themed bookstore slated to open soon in Weaverville. As treasurer, Rosanna will oversee the POP Project’s funds and monies, including helping us plan budgets and prepare for fundraisers.
Continuing Board Members
Sarah Giavedoni, Secretary of the Board
Sarah has been a volunteer with the POP Project since the organization began in 2009. She currently works in higher education marketing. As secretary, Sarah will be responsible for keeping the minutes at board meetings and organizing internal and federal paperwork.
Jim MacKenzie, Executive Director & Chairman of the Board
Jim is the founder and director of the POP Project. He has been dedicated to furthering literacy in WNC since well before POP got its official start in 2009. As executive director of the POP Project, Jim is the acting chairperson of the board. He is responsible for presiding over meetings, but does not receive a vote in board decisions.
What You Can Expect
The newly developed board met for its first meeting last week, following an orientation and training session in late May. We are already planning great things for later in the summer and into the fall! At last week’s meeting we discussed website updates, possible fundraiser options, and ideas for Banned Books Week in September, among several other topics.
This board is already poised to make some great changes – within the POP Project and for the community. Stay tuned for more information about our developing projects, how you can participate with upcoming events, and the impact POP is making in the community thanks to the hard work and insight of our new team.
