The Tucson Festival of Books, the nation's fourth-largest book festival, has hired its first paid staff member.
Naomi Wetzel McCoy will take over fundraising and marketing responsibilities, supported by a crew of more than 1,000 volunteers, as the festival's director of communication and development, said a news release from the Tucson Festival of Books.
McCoy has worked in community relations and volunteer management for more than a decade. Her most recent position was as community relations manager for the American Cancer Society, the release said.
"She brings not only a wealth of experience but an infectious enthusiasm for Tucson and the cause of literacy," said Bill Viner, CEO of Pepper Viner Homes and one of the festival's founders.
Proceeds from the book festival benefit local literary efforts.
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"I am delighted to be able to help spread the joy of reading and the love of the story to my fellow Tucsonans through the Tucson Festival of Books, and to help share the gift of literacy with all. The written word holds the power to transform, to heal, to save. If even one person misses out on that gift, it is too many," McCoy said in the release.
The third annual Festival of Books takes place March 12-13 on the University of Arizona campus. Novelists Martin Cruz Smith, Elizabeth Berg, Elmore Leonard and J.A. Jance will be some of the event's featured speakers.
The Tucson Festival of Books is sponsored by the Arizona Daily Star with the UA, and presented by University Medical Center.
Between 70,000 and 80,000 people attended last year's festival.
More online
Find out more about the Tucson Festival of Books at www. tucsonfestivalofbooks.org
Contact Veronica Cruz at vcruz@azstarnet.com or call 573-4179.
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