Stephanie Wells has been named the new executive director of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre.

Wells assumes the position effective January 29, and “brings a wealth of leadership experience in both trade and educational publishing, as well as in the not-for-profit and business sectors,” the CCBC said in a release.

She was most recently senior manager, EDI, at Fasken, and among other roles has worked as marketing manager and global diversity and inclusion advocate at Pearson Canada, and is a board member of IBBY Canada.

“I am honoured and thrilled to join the Canadian Children’s Book Centre in their efforts to advance awareness, appreciation and the success of Canadian books for young readers,” Wells said in a release. “I look forward to working with the CCBC team and the book-loving communities across the country that engage in creating and raising awareness of the exceptional children’s books published each year in Canada.”

The CCBC has been operating under the leadership of director of operations Meghan Howe since former executive director Sarah Sahagian left in July 2023.