Matt Baugher, senior vice president and publisher of W Publishing Group, a Thomas Nelson imprint, announces the hiring of Joel Kneedler as associate publisher. Recently serving as a lead agent for Alive Communications, Kneedler brings with him a wealth of experience in a variety of publishing areas.

"Throughout his publishing career, Joel has exemplified a deep passion for meaningful author relationships and strong content development,” Baugher said. “For the many projects on which we have partnered together, he has been a key part of our strategic campaigns, and I know that he will be a valuable asset for our authors going forward. His background in publicity, marketing and acquisition will all be utilized in his new role as associate publisher, and we couldn't be more thrilled that he will be joining our team."

B&H Publishing Group is adding to the company’s leadership in the trade book area with the hire of Jesse Wisnewski, former content manager of Resurgence in Seattle.

Wisnewski brings 10 years of experience in ministry and marketing to the B&H team. For the past two years, he has risen in leadership to oversee the content strategy and assist with the marketing for the Resurgence, part of Mars Hill Church. Resurgence produces and markets dozens of books as well as regional and national conferences. Part of his position was to assist with the development of marketing campaigns by identifying content marketing strategies for Resurgence Books.

Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. recently named Bob Hetico as the company’s new director of sales. In his new role, Hetico will lead an eight-person sales team to generate revenue growth in print and digital book formats.

Most recently the national sales manager at InterVarsity Press, he had previously served as director of trade sales at Augsburg Fortress Publishers and director of sales and marketing at Judson Press.

DaySpring has announced the addition of Mark McKane as the new senior vice president of retail for the Siloam Springs, Arkansas-based Christian card and gift company.

“I am pleased that an executive of Mark’s extensive experience and background has chosen to join our DaySpring team,” said James Barnett, president of DaySpring. “Mark brings both business acumen and a heart for people that I believe will contribute significantly to DaySpring’s future success.”

Baker Publishing Group has announced the appointment of Kim Bangs as senior acquisitions editor for the Bethany House and Chosen divisions.

Bangs most recently served as the publishing director at Gospel Light in the Regal Books division. Prior to this, she held several other positions at Gospel Light, including acquisitions and author relations manager, acquisition team member and contracts manager.

Kyle Olund has signed with Worthy Publishing as executive editor. A publishing industry veteran of more than 20 years, Olund comes to Worthy after holding positions at Scripture Press/Victor Books, Random House and Thomas Nelson.

He has worked closely with such authors as Philip Yancey, Bodie and Brock Thoene, and the creators of The Beginner’s Bible. During his 10 years at Thomas Nelson, Olund rose from book design manager to managing editor and eventually associate acquisitions/development editor. Olund was intricately involved in creating such best-selling titles as Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, Do You Think I’m Beautiful by Angela Thomas, The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey and The Maxwell Daily Reader by John C. Maxwell.

Worthy Publishing has announced the promotion of Jeana Ledbetter to vice president, associate publisher of Worthy Books. Formerly vice president of editorial, Ledbetter joined Worthy at the company’s inception.

After nearly 30 years with the Southern California-based literary firm Yates & Yates, Ledbetter joined Worthy Publishing Group in 2009. Throughout her career, she has served as editorial advisor and literary agent to numerous best-selling authors, including Beth Moore, David Jeremiah, David Platt, Erwin McManus, Chuck Swindoll, Emerson Eggerichs, Les and Leslie Parrott, Henry Cloud and John Townsend.