Industry veteran brings ‘proven track record’ in book acquisitions and development

Don Pape joined NavPress as publisher Jan. 6. In his new role, Pape leads the publishing team acquiring and developing new NavPress resources that will be brought to market by the company’s alliance partner, Tyndale House Publishers. Pape has served as vice president of trade books and multimedia at David C Cook for the past seven years.

“We are celebrating the addition of Don Pape to the Navigator family,” said Doug Nuenke, U.S. director of The Navigators. “We are excited for this next season with NavPress and increasing its important role in fulfilling our calling here in the U.S. and around the world.”

Pape’s vision is to maximize the mission of NavPress “to create experiences that challenge people to thrive in their journey with Jesus Christ.”

Pape sees great potential for NavPress to provide much needed resources for discipling the next generation.

“There is no greater time than now to make Christ known on campuses, on military bases, in homes and communities and around the globe,” said Pape.

Success with editorial acquisition and a commitment to the author and agent community have characterized Pape’s role in the publishing industry.

“Don’s success over the past three decades in this challenging and constantly changing industry is quite impressive,” said longtime NavPress author Jerry Bridges. “His proven track record in working with top-tier authors will strengthen the NavPress team to have a greater impact on the body of Christ.”

Pape has published five New York Times best-sellers, including Francis Chan’s Crazy Love. Pape is also publisher of Julie Cantrell’s Into the Free, which was the 2013 Christy Book of the Year. He led a team that won 20 ADDY Awards between 2008 and 2010 for David C Cook titles recognized for best cover or book design.

Born in Brazil, Pape graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science from Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada, speaks fluent French and Portuguese, and is married with three sons. His multicultural publishing career in sales, marketing and graphic design has led him to a variety of roles, including executive, literary agent and consultant.

Pape says he is “looking forward to partnering with The Navigators field staff and Tyndale to create raving fans of NavPress and the stellar authors writing on discipleship, leadership and the Christian life.”