Binc Foundation Welcomes New Board Member, New Staff

As the Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation kicks off its 25th anniversary year, it is welcoming Kuo-Yu Liang as a new board member and Kera Yonker as development coordinator.

Liang has spent 30+ years in the books and comics business. His first job out of school was at Central Park Bookstore in San Mateo, California. From there, the journey took him to publishing (Random House), distribution (Diamond Comics), and events (BookExpo and New York Comic Con). He has served on various advisory boards (including Bertelsmann, Lucasfilm, and Shelf Awareness) and is the founder of a pop culture publishing consultancy, Ku Worldwide. Originally from Taiwan, he now lives in Seattle.

“Having the opportunity to serve on the Binc Board is a privilege to give back to the industry that has given me so much,” Liang said.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Kuo-Yu. The depth and breadth of knowledge that he brings from the book and comics industries is immensely valuable as we help booksellers and comic retailers to navigate the volatile retail landscape,” said Binc Executive Director Pamela French. “We especially look forward to benefiting from his strategic planning expertise to guide the Foundation’s continued growth.”

Leaving Binc’s Board are Jen Reynolds and Lori Tucker-Sullivan.

Yonker joined Binc in November, just in time to play a key role in its record-setting year-end campaign, which raised more than $160,000. Yonker began her career as a bookseller at Green Apple Books & Music in San Francisco. She has since worked in sales and marketing for a number of publishers and distributors, including PGW, Oxford University Press, and Perseus Books Group. Before joining the Binc Foundation, she combined her passions for writing and bookselling as a freelance book editor and marketer.

Yonker can be reached via email at [email protected] or (734) 274-4240. Yonker will work primarily from her North Carolina home office, but once it is safe to resume regular travel, she will spend time in Binc’s Ann Arbor office as needed.