Stumptown Comics Names New Chair, Secretary

Stumptown Comics, Inc. -- the Portland-based non-profit behind the annual Stumptown Comics Festival -- has elected two new officers to lead its board of directors in preparation for the festival's tenth anniversary in 2013.

Former board secretary Shawna Gore was elected to replace former board chair Joe Keatinge, who stepped down from his post in late August. Keatinge, a rising star in the world of comics writers, has resigned from the board to focus on his career. Replacing Gore as secretary is writer and business consultant Nicolle Farup, who played a major role in leading charity fundraising efforts as part of the 2012 Stumptown Comics Festival.

Of his departure from the board, Keatinge said, "It was a pleasure to serve with the Stumptown board as Chair. When I took on the role, I had a number of goals, and the board exceeded every single one of them. Despite my focus changing, I am ecstatic for where Stumptown Comics is headed and look forward to next year's festival."

Gore, a longtime editor and creative consultant, praised Keatinge for his work on the board of directors and forecast a bright future for the organization. "Joe did fantastic work on behalf of Stumptown," said Gore, "and he helped position us to expand the scope of our work in the years to come. Portland is arguably the richest city in America in terms of creativity and our profound love for the medium of comics, and the Stumptown Comics Festival reflects that. "

Stumptown Comics Inc.'s board of directors is currently considering applications for two additional board positions, and announcements about those additions will be forthcoming. Next year's Stumptown Comics Festival will be held at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland on April 27 and 28, 2013. Guest announcements and application information for that show will also be released in coming weeks.