Group adopts new management model, drops CEO search

CBA has scrapped its search for a replacement for longtime President and CEO Bill Anderson, instead appointing Curtis Riskey as executive director of the retailers’ trade association.

The owner of a Christian bookstore in Oshkosh, Wis., Riskey, 43, has been on the staff of CBA since 2007 and served as its interim executive director since Anderson’s departure last October.

Riskey’s appointment—the first time a retailer has headed the organization—was welcomed widely by other industry leaders and CBA members.

Announcing the move, CBA said that the organization would be “using an executive director management model going forward,” forgoing the need to find a new president/CEO.

CBA Chairman-elect George Thomsen said that Riskey’s leadership in the past few months had “exemplified his knowledge of the many facets of Christian retail, his acumen for connecting with a variety of industry leaders to work together on common goals and his dedication to the success of this industry even amid current global economic challenges.”

It was important that Riskey “not only has a heart for retailers, but is a retailer himself,” Thomsen added.

Evangelical Christian Publishers Association President and CEO Mark Kuyper—a former CBA vice president—called Riskey “an excellent choice,” describing him as “a man of creative vision and great integrity.” He “understands the challenging issues facing Christian retailers, but sees options and opportunities for growth and ministry,” Kuyper added.

Gift company P. Graham Dunn President Peter Dunn, a former CBA board member, told Christian Retailing that Riskey had “shown strong leadership in his past experiences within the Christian bookstore market” and understood “the nuances of our market.” “I feel Curtis is well-poised to provide the leadership that the industry needs to face the challenges of an ever-changing market in the years to come.”

LifeWay Christian Stores Vice President Mark Scott said he was excited about Riskey’s appointment. “Curtis has exhibited a strong understanding of the strategic issues facing our industry,” he said. “He also possesses the relational skills to help industry leaders work together toward common goals. Most importantly, he has a genuine passion for the ministry of Christian retail.”

For Jim Powell, president of Christian Trade Association International, Riskey’s new role was “an exciting development.” He added: “With all the changes in the industry, CBA needs strong staff leadership, which Curtis will give.”

The move would help ensure long-term viability of CBA’s International Christian Retail Show, which is so critical to the industry worldwide and to American and international suppliers who relate to the wider world,” Powell told Christian Retailing.

Jim Kregel, president of Kregel Parable Christian Stores in Grand Rapids, Mich., said that Riskey was “a man with a genuine heart for ministry,” who also “possesses a wide range of business and technological acumen.”

Brenda Harrison, co-owner of Lighthouse Christian Bookstore in Bedford, Ind., said the fact that Riskey “is a retailer himself makes him a good choice.” Having read articles he had written and heard him speak, she said he was “very knowledgeable and an excellent speaker.”

Lorraine Valk, co-owner of Banner Books Parable Christian Store of St. Joseph in St. Joseph, Mich., said Riskey “has great qualifications for the position.” “He has a diverse background that will definately be beneficial,” she said.

Appointing Riskey, CBA said it would be “using an executive-director management model going forward.” Regarding the change in management style, Thomsen said that the board felt it “best fits CBA’s needs for this day and age.”

The model would allow Riskey to lead the organization, while continuing to give personal attention to key programs and member services in which he was already involved. His job responsibilities and level of authority “are very similar” to Anderson’s. “There will be some minor shifting of labor onto the board,” Thomsen added.

Prior to joining CBA staff as strategic solutions executive—while retaining ownership of his BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ) Books and Café in Oshkosh, opened in 2000—Riskey served on the organization’s Independent Retail Advisory Council and taught in its Professional Christian Retailer Certification program. He was also a member of Christian Retailing’s editorial advisory board.

In the CBA statement announcing his appointment, Riskey said he was humbled and excited. “I have a vision for the role CBA is going to play. My heart is with Christian retailers, who are truly missionaries in the communities they serve, and I want to see them succeed.”

With 10 years in the appliance industry before opening his store, Riskey holds a business degree from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh. He and his wife, Barbara, have three children.

Anderson’s Oct. 30, 2009, resignation—after more than 30 years with CBA, 24 of them as president—took many in the industry by surprise. No reason was given for his departure.

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