Christian Retailing

David C. Cook appoints digital leader Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Thursday, 28 July 2011 04:23 PM America/New_York

Recognizing the growth of e-books, David C. Cook has named Michael Covington to the new position of director of digital content, effective Aug. 8.

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's (ECPA) information and education director for the past five years, Covington will report to Cook Chief Publishing Officer Dan Rich, while developing and implementing a digital strategy for the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based nonprofit.

Covington will help "extend our reach to the church by using emerging digital technologies," Rich said. "His ability to envision the scope of possibilities that technology provides for content publishing, and his commitment to improving the industry make him the perfect fit for our team at Cook in these times of change and uncharted territory."

Awarded the Jim Carlson Bookstore Manager of the Year in 2001, Covington served as general manager at The Master's, a Parable Christian Store in Clovis, N.M. He also served as a member of the CBA board of directors before joining the ECPA in 2006.

"I am excited about what lies ahead for the industry and for Cook, in terms of digital-content creation and distribution," said Covington. "Cook is investing in the future to make sure the church can access the resources it needs to reach the world with the gospel."

Cook's move to create a new digital position follows Eric Shanfelt starting his new position as Thomas Nelson's senior vice president of e-media, earlier this month. A veteran digital and online media strategist, Shanfelt is be responsible for developing and implementing an electronic strategy that integrates Nelson's publishing and live events segments, company officials said.