Abingdon Press has appointed Brenda Smotherman as the associate publicity manager. She will head public relations efforts for titles in the Christian living, ministry resources, leadership, and teaching and learning categories, while assisting with other product lines and publishing initiatives.

Smotherman was most recently a publicist for Thomas Nelson's nonfiction titles, previously handling the publisher's Bible, reference and curriculum products. She has also served as a publicist for McCain & Co. Public Relations. Additionally, Smotherman worked for more than a decade in the Christian music industry mainly handling marketing and tour promotions for Provident Label Group artists.

"I am very pleased that Brenda Smotherman has joined the Abingdon Press team," said Abingdon Press Executive Director of Marketing Tamara Crabtree. "Brenda's years of experience in publishing combined with a deep knowledge of Christian books and resources will strengthen our marketing efforts for Abingdon Press titles."

Abingdon Press is the publishing arm of the United Methodist Publishing House.