Embarking on its 11th season, the Savannah Book Festival Board of Directors has elected a new vice president, David Sovchen. Ivy Council, Judy Lautzenhiser and Dr. Richard Schulze also were elected as new directors serving a three-year term.
 
Ivy Council has served as Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Compliance Officer for Citi Trends Inc. since March 2012 and as their Senior Vice President of Human Resources since January 2007. Council has served in a director capacity for the Pasta Pomodoro Restaurants, Brightside Academy and Chair of the board of Goodwill of the Coastal Empire.  
 
Judy Lautzenhiser has been a vital and influential member of the SBF Volunteer Team for the last 5 years including as Volunteer Team Co-Chair and Volunteer Trainer.  Prior to moving to Savannah, she and her husband (Gary) and family lived in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina and Michigan. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Judy is a special education teacher.
 
Dr. Richard Schulze, Jr. is a native of Savannah and a life-long lover of books and literature.  He obtained an undergraduate degree in English from Princeton University and a master’s degree in English from Oxford University prior to attending medical school at the University of Virginia. He is a practicing eye surgeon and lives here in Savannah with his wife and three daughters.
 
At its annual meeting, the Savannah Book Festival also named Beau Anders as treasurer and Carolyn Szlasa as Secretary. Dr. Mark Murphy will continue as president.