Decatur Book Festival appoints Bailee Yarbrough as new executive director
The Decatur Book Festival has appointed Bailee Yarbrough as its new executive director. A Decatur resident, avid reader, and dedicated festival volunteer, Yarbrough holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and previously led large-scale initiatives at ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical Company. “Bailee has a rare combination of industrial experience and deep community commitment that aligns perfectly […] The post Decatur Book Festival appoints Bailee Yarbrough as new executive director appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.
The Decatur Book Festival has appointed Bailee Yarbrough as its new executive director.
A Decatur resident, avid reader, and dedicated festival volunteer, Yarbrough holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and previously led large-scale initiatives at ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical Company.
“Bailee has a rare combination of industrial experience and deep community commitment that aligns perfectly with the values and vision of DBF,” DBF President Mathwon R. Howard said in a statement, “She’s a thoughtful, steady leader who will help DBF deepen its connection with readers, authors, and our community.”
Yarbrough succeeds Leslie Wingate, who is retiring after guiding the festival’s successful return to in-person programming in 2024 following the COVID-19 pandemic and leading the celebration of DBF’s 20th anniversary in 2025.
DBF also announces the retirement of programming director Denise Auger, who began as a volunteer in 2007 and helped shape the festival’s literary voice for nearly two decades.
The 2025 festival welcomed nearly 20,000 attendees, featuring 145 authors and moderators across 65 sessions, alongside more than 100 exhibitors and 350 volunteers.. The 2026 festival will take place Oct. 2-3, with programming and additional details announced in the coming months. .
“At its heart, the Decatur Book Festival is about the community coming together to share stories and ideas,” Yarbrough said in a statement. “I am honored to steward DBF forward and continue creating welcoming spaces where readers and writers of all ages can gather, spark curiosity, and explore new perspectives.”
The post Decatur Book Festival appoints Bailee Yarbrough as new executive director appeared first on Rough Draft Atlanta.
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