MACON, GA - March 14, 2007 - Beginning in April, Lex Horton will become the new Publisher & Executive Vice President of Smyth & Helwys Publishing. The position was previously held by David Cassady, who has transitioned to a consultant position with Smyth & Helwys in order to pursue additional opportunities.
Lex Horton has been with Smyth & Helwys for ten years, serving previously as editor for Youth Intersection and Managing Editor before becoming the Vice President for Production. Horton holds degrees from Campbellsville University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and has served as minister to churches in Georgia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Italy.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to continue serving churches through the ministry of Smyth & Helwys Publishing, and I am extremely grateful for all David has done in his many years here," said Horton. "Fortunately, he will continue to play a key role going forward. There are so many wonderful people at the core of this effective ministry, from our staff to the authors, leaders, and ministers in churches, seminaries, and other organizations. I am truly excited about what the future holds."
David Cassady, who was the first full-time employee at Smyth & Helwys, has been with the company since it began in 1991. He began as the original editor of Youth Intersection, was promoted to Vice President for the Editorial Division, and ultimately became Publisher & Executive Vice President. Beginning in April, Cassady is joining a local media development firm, The Brainstorm Lab. He will continue to be involved with Smyth & Helwys as a consultant.
"It has been a privilege to serve churches through the publications of Smyth & Helwys. As I look back at the quality and number of resources and books we've published across sixteen years, I cannot help but be proud of the dedication and creativity of the team at Smyth & Helwys," said Cassady. "I'm pleased to have the opportunity to continue to play a role in the organization's future."
Jim Pitts, Chairman of the Board for Smyth & Helwys, commented, "I am most grateful for David's imaginative leadership and creative energy over the past 16 years. He has brought Smyth & Helwys to our present point of maturity. We are glad that he will continue to be a member of the team as we carry the banner forward."
Pitts continued, "The selection of Lex Horton as Publisher & Executive Vice President is a natural decision for us. Lex's experience as a superb leader coupled with his gifts and experience over the past ten years, underscore that he is ready for these additional responsibilities. This transition in leadership offers us administrative continuity and supports our continuing commitment to excellence in publishing."
Smyth & Helwys President, Cecil Staton, described both Cassady and Horton as "Baptist heroes who have given an enormous amount of energy to the focus and success of Smyth & Helwys." He continued, "History will judge Smyth & Helwys to be one of the most significant Baptist institutions of our time. This is due in large measure to the dedication of our great staff. Cassady has been a true visionary leader and I am grateful that even as he transitions to new opportunities he will continue to be involved with Smyth & Helwys. Lex Horton has proven his leadership and vision over his ten years with Smyth & Helwys as well. We are fortunate that we have such a wealth of talent on staff. We are confident that our printed and electronic resources will continue meeting the needs of the thousands of churches that turn to us for quality books and Sunday School resources that reflect our Baptist heritage."
Board Member Scott Nash said, "David Cassady has been a tremendous asset to the formation and direction of Smyth & Helwys since the earliest days of the venture. His creativity and vision have kept us on the cutting edge of curriculum design and Internet accessibility. We are pleased that he will continue to play a role with Smyth & Helwys. I am grateful that we have someone equally gifted in Lex Horton to assume David's role in directing our operations. Lex understands this publishing ministry, cares deeply for churches, and knows how to listen to needs and get things done."
The organization also announced that Keith Gammons would be promoted to Vice President for Production. Gammons has served as editor for books, including the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary, at Smyth & Helwys since 2001. Gammons holds degrees from Appalachian State University, Duke University, and UNC-Greensboro, and has served as a minister in North Carolina. His new role as Vice President for Production will include oversight of the company's editorial and design functions.
Smyth & Helwys is best known for its line of Sunday school materials, books, and the Smyth & Helwys Bible Commentary series. The organization has been a leader in creating online resources for Bible study and group support through innovative services such as NextSunday.com, Learning Matters online magazine, Baptistnet, and its newest service, Caleb's Cafe.
Contact information:
Smyth & Helwys
6316 Peake Road
Macon, GA 31210
info@helwys.com
www.helwys.com
478-757-0564
800-747-3016
