Send the Light Distribution, the largest Christian distributor in the United States, has announced two significant additions to its sales and marketing team. Longtime Christian publishing sales professional Ed Barber has been appointed church accounts sales manager, while Debra Lyons is the new marketing manager.

Barber's position is a new one, focusing on the growing church supplies and church bookstore market for which Send the Light launched its Premier Partners program last year. Barber spent 27 years with B&H Publishing Group, a division of LifeWay Christian Resources, servicing national wholesale, key retail and independent CBA retail accounts. Prior to that, he worked for Boss Manufacturing Company and Campbell Soup Company.

Barber's taking on the new “strategic role” was welcomed by Mark Phillips, vice president of sales & marketing at Send the Light.

“He brings a wealth of experience to our organization and is highly respected in our industry,” Phillips said. “He will be an asset to our team and I’m excited about the ideas and energy he brings in further developing our key relationships in the church channel and building our church supply programs.”

Debra Lyons arrives at Send the Light with more than 30 years’ experience in sales, merchandising and product promotions.  She was president of wholesale food distributor Kelly’s Foods, in Johnson City, Tenn., for 10 years through 2013.

As marketing manager, Lyons will be responsible for Send the Light's vendor relations, handling their consumer catalog, trade newsletter, advertising and industry event interests.

“Debra brings to Send the Light her vast knowledge and business experience,” Phillips said. “She understands the dynamics and importance of developing and nurturing key vendor relationships. I’m excited to have her on our team.”