We are delighted to announce that Board members Molly McCowan and Amy Spungen recently have moved into new leadership roles at the organization.

Molly McCowan, who joined the Board in 2019 as Events chair, is now Education chair. In her new role, she is responsible for putting together and managing the full catalog of courses offered through the EFA’s Education Program, including finding new instructors and working with them to develop content for both webinars and multi-week courses. She actively reviews course evaluations and ideas for new courses from members, which help inform future offerings and ensure that the professional development needs of our community are being met.

Molly spoke about what she would like to accomplish in her new role: “Supporting my fellow editorial freelancers and helping them build thriving, resilient businesses is my passion. In my role as Education chairperson, I plan to expand our educational offerings to help you refresh or improve your skills and grow your business. Stay tuned for free monthly members-only webinars, new class formats that feature video lessons and live Q&A sessions, and plenty of new faces joining our team of amazing instructors. And, as always, the EFA’s goal is to provide these educational offerings at the most affordable rates possible. If you’re interested in teaching for us, submit your course proposal now!”

Would you like to teach for the EFA? The deadline for class proposals for the summer 2021 session has been extended to April 1! Click here to submit your idea for a multi-week course or a 60- or 90-minute webinar. If you have any questions or suggestions about the Education Program, you may contact Molly at education@the-efa.org.

Amy Spungen, who joined the Board in 2020, is now Events chair (you may read her reflections about running for and serving on the Board here). In this role, she is responsible for researching book fairs and trade conferences nationwide and ensuring that the EFA is properly represented among potential members and clients alike. She works closely with the EFA’s social media team to promote the organization’s participation these events. While many of them have moved online during the pandemic, the EFA looks forward to resuming in-person events in the near future and to working, once again, with volunteers from our regional chapters to staff EFA exhibition booths.

Amy shared her goals for the coming year: “As the very new Events chair, my goal is to familiarize myself with how Events has worked in the past—both before and during this disruptive last year of Covid-19. With staff member Vina Orden’s help, I hope to continue the EFA’s work in promoting itself through various events, and to help plan important events within the EFA, such as its national conference, which was postponed for 2021.”

If you have any questions or suggestions about events, you may contact Amy at events@the-efa.org.

Many thanks to Molly and Amy for stepping up and volunteering for these leadership positions. Currently, there is an opening on the Board for a Membership chair. To learn more, email office@the-efa.org. The EFA is nothing without our members, and we welcome and encourage members of all backgrounds to volunteer, to serve on the board, and to participate in our community! You may read more about our Diversity Initiative and our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion here.