The American Booksellers Association has named Finn Butterfield as the new associate manager, free expression & advocacy, effective September 21. Butterfield has been at ABA for the past six years as an IndieCommerce support specialist. Before that, they were a bookseller at Towne Center Books, Pleasanton, Calif., from 2017 to 2020.
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"Since Finn started at ABA they've been someone I've counted on for honest communication and a commitment to making our work more equitable," said ABA CEO Allison Hill. "I've been struck by the ways Finn has been an advocate in their personal life and their consistent commitment to helping independent bookstores through support and education. In their interviews with the ABA team for this position it was clear they had given a lot of thought to ABFE's work and would bring fresh ideas and energy to the position. We look forward to working with them in their new role."
David Grogan, director, free expression, advocacy & public policy for ABA, commented: "I am happy to have Finn join the advocacy team. Finn's deep understanding of our member community and unwavering dedication to independent booksellers makes them an invaluable addition. I look forward to seeing the positive impact Finn will undoubtedly have in this new role."
"I am incredibly excited to be a part of the advocacy team and eager to get to work," Butterfield said. "Reading has always been so integral to my being and that has been fostered by indie bookstores and the community they create. Literacy, the right to read, and free expression has and always will be a passion that is personal and of the utmost importance to me. Books have helped shape me into the person I am today and continue to be a source of education, entertainment, escapism, and enlightenment that I vehemently believe everyone should have equal access to."
After their start date in the new position, Butterfield can be contacted by ABA members for support regarding harassment, free expression, and any advocacy questions at abfe@bookweb.org.