Texas Book Festival Board of Directors Announces Lidia Agraz as the New Executive Director

AUSTIN, Texas, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Texas Book Festival's board chairman, Ron Weiss, announced today that Lidia Agraz has been named its Executive Director. Agraz will be the fourth executive director to lead the non-profit since its founding in 1995.

"The Texas Book Festival Board of Directors is thrilled to have Lidia Agraz become a part of the Texas Book Festival as the new Executive Director," said Ron Weiss. "Bringing more than 15 years of executive level experience in both the corporate and non-profit arenas, she is deeply passionate about the organization's mission and will be a terrific asset."  

"I am greatly honored to be given the opportunity to serve in this position and to be able to work for an organization that celebrates literacy as an integral part of our society," said Lidia Agraz. "It is such a heart-warming pleasure to contribute to this Texas treasure."

Previously serving as a volunteer for education, arts and literacy programs as both an advocate and a mentor, Lidia Agraz's passion for literacy programs stems from these personal experiences and her love for reading.  A former vice president of government relations and public affairs for Time Warner Cable in Central Texas, she has a solid record of executive success that will help the organization continue to expand and embrace the latest technology.

Lidia Agraz has lived in Austin for more than 25 years and traveled extensively throughout Texas and beyond.  She was a member of Leadership Texas, recently served on the board of directors for the Austin Film Festival, KUT-Austin Public Radio and Austin Partners in Education.  She also has served in leadership roles with Austin Lyric Opera and the Austin Performing Arts Center as well as the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. 

The Texas Book Festival is a non-profit organization that celebrates authors and their contributions to the culture of literacy, ideas and imagination. Founded in 1995 by Laura Bush and a group of interested volunteers, it is held on the grounds of the Texas Capitol and attracts more than 40,000 adults and children attending free of cost. The 2012 Texas Book Festival is scheduled for October 27-28. 

A photo of Lidia Agraz can be found here.  

Visit www.texasbookfestival.org for more information.

SOURCE Texas Book Festival