This is bigger news than you think: ComicsPRO,the organization for comics retailers than has been instrumental in moving comics retailing forward, has announced Moni Barrette as their new executive director,
Barrette has a lengthy resume in comics as a librarian, educator, and activist – in short just what every organization needs, the Swiss Army Knife who can do it all. Her resume includes 20 years as a librarian, several years at LibraryPass (now Joyful Reading), and a stint as president of the GNCRT, as well as founding Creators Assemble, a networking organization.
As Executive Director she will focus on “building and strengthening relationships through her connections across the industry, growing membership and benefit opportunities, and providing years of administrative development and fundraising growth to the organization’s vision and planning.”
Barrette replaces outgoing Executive director Marco Davanzo, who stepped down at SDCC. An extensive search for Davanzo’s replacement followed, with an emphasis on hiring someone who is not an actual comics retailer, because the duties of running a shop PLUS running a key industry organization, is a lot.
ComicsPro formed a Search Committee to find a new ED with an updated job description to cover the organization’s growing needs. A Search Committee made up of a variety of different member store owners reviewed applications and held interviews, with the ComicsPRO Board of Directors having a final round of interviews to make the pick.
“We wanted whoever became the new Executive Director to be the right choice for the job,” said Shannon Live, who led the organization’s search. “There were over a dozen well-qualified candidates and our Search Committee team members spent a lot of time evaluating their options, interviewing, and really ensuring they chose the candidate that best suited the organization’s needs, not just for today but for years to come.”
As someone who has been in the industry for 20 years, Barrette checks all the boxes.
“Moni Barrette brings genuine passion and enthusiasm for the comics industry, along with a fresh perspective, a strong background in nonprofit leadership, and an ability to build relationships throughout the industry,” said Steve Unverferth, ComicsPRO retailer and Search Committee member. “I’m excited to see how she uses these talents while working with the Board to continue strengthening and growing ComicsPRO for all comic book retailers.”
Barrette, who started her career in Sales and Marketing, spent nearly twenty years working as a Comic Librarian focusing on development, programming, and fundraising. In 2020, she began working as Director of Collection Development and Publisher Relations at LibraryPass (now Joyful Reading Co.), overseeing metadata, publisher relations, distribution agreements, and collection development. That same year, she also launched Creators Assemble, a non-profit organization that helps comic creators build their community, fundraise, and connect with the industry at large. Barrette’s years of work in the different avenues of the industry, including serving as President for the American Library Association’s Graphic Novel and Comic Roundtable, has left her with a large network of publishers, creators, retailers, and educators; a deep understanding of a variety of comic markets; and a toolbelt filled with the skills necessary to develop the organization as it grows.
“Moni is a unicorn get for ComicsPRO,” said Joe Murray, ComicsPRO President. “A career promoting comics to the public; amazing professional credentials and the organizational super powers of a librarian, plus non-profit expertise. I’m excited to work with her as our new Executive Director.”
