MPIBA Executive Director Laura Ayrey Burnett to Step Down

Laura Ayrey Burnett, who has served as the executive director for the Mountains & Plains Independent Booksellers Association (MPIBA) since 2010, announced on Monday, November 13, that she will be leaving the organization in order to spend more time with her family. 

“I have truly valued our relationships and consider all of you in the region my friends,” Ayrey said in a statement.

During Burnett’s tenure, bookstore membership rose, ad revenues increased consistently, and attendance doubled at the region’s annual Fall Discovery Show, according to a release from the association.

Burnett, who succeeded Lisa Knudsen, came to the organization with an extensive background in marketing and communications; prior to her work with MPIBA, she was director of marketing and trade sales for Gibbs Smith.

The MPIBA Board of Directors has appointed a search committee to find a new executive director. Questions can be directed to [email protected].