APA Committees
The Audie Awards® Competition
The Audie Awards® Competition is the sole U.S. awards program recognizing excellence in audiobooks and spoken word entertainment. This committee oversees the competition's integrity, coordinating over 200 judges. It ensures the awards reflect the highest standards in the industry, celebrating top achievements in audiobook production.
CHAIR: Mary Burkey, Librarian
Public Relations and Events (PRE)
The Public Relations and Events (PRE) Committee brings together professionals from across the audiobook industry to enhance the visibility and impact of audiobooks. Members work on PR opportunities, coordinate events, and develop marketing campaigns to promote the medium to a wider audience. The committee encompasses the Sound Learning initiative, which expands and shares information about the role of audiobooks in literacy and oversees the Audies Gala, assisting with the promotion and planning of the annual award event.
CHAIRS:
Cassie McNeil, RBMedia/Tantor Media
Danielle D’Orlando, Princeton University Press
APA CoNFERENCe (APAC)
Plans the educational tracks for a premier event for audio professionals, focusing on business and performance. Committee members line up speakers, craft programming, write descriptions, and ensure smooth event execution. Regular meetings with the events team ensure a valuable event with ample networking opportunities.
BUSINESS TRACK CHAIRS:
Laura Gachko, Recorded Books
Adam Fritz, Pozotron, Inc.
PRODUCTION TRACK CHAIRS:
Deanna Anthony, Narrator
PJ Ochlan, Narrator
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Works to make the APA a welcoming organization for all. This involves creating better services for members and ensuring accessibility in the audiobook world. Initiatives include the Mentorship Program, New Narrator Workshops, and the Narration Resources Hub, aiming to foster inclusion and support across the industry.
CHAIRS:
Dan Zitt, Penguin Random House Audio
Colleen Prendergast, Spotify
Membership Communications
Responsible for the APA eNewsletters, Email Alerts, and Industry News Blog, ensuring they provide timely updates on programs and services. They maintain the content, look, and tone, and distribute the eNewsletter monthly as an exclusive member benefit, keeping members informed about industry trends and opportunities.
CHAIR: Eric Barnett, Supporting Cast
Research
Responsible for gathering and sharing data with APA members to help manage their audio businesses. Projects include annual Consumer and Sales Surveys, identifying key information, selecting research firms, and collaborating with the PR & Events Committee to share findings, thereby generating member and media interest.
CHAIR: Lori Benton, Scholastic Audio
Narrator Education
Creates and recruits speakers for regular webinars focused on voice talent education.
CHAIR: Erin Bennett, Narrator
Ambassador Program
This committee greets new members, introduces them to the organization, and is available to answer questions about membership.
CHAIRS:
Romy Nordlinger, Narrator
Bob Souer, Narrator