Former Zondervan president and CEO lauded for influence that ‘has permeated the industry for decades’

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) presented the 2013 Kip Jordon Lifetime Achievement Award to publishing industry veteran Bruce Ryskamp at the 2013 Christian Book Awards banquet. Held April 29, at World Outreach Church outside Nashville during the ECPA Leadership Summit, the banquet also saw the presentation of multiple book awards, including the 2013 Christian Book Award.

Ryskamp was honored for his impact on the publishing industry in his role as president and CEO of Zondervan and as one the longest-serving members of ECPA’s board of directors.

“His influence has permeated the industry for decades,” ECPA President and CEO Mark Kuyper told Christian Retailing.

Serving Zondervan first as vice president of the company’s new Bible division in 1983, then as leader of its book division in 1987, Ryskamp was named president and CEO in 1993. Under his leadership, Zondervan saw publishing success with best-sellers by Rick Warren, Philip Yancey, Oliver North, Dave Dravecky, Lee Strobel and John Ortberg. 

He also led Zondervan to see the long-term viability of digital publishing; to maintain a commitment to publishing resources for pastors, ministry leaders and academics; and to serve children’s needs by establishing the Zonderkidz group, which targets kids age 15 and under.

“With his marketing instincts and common-sense business principles, Ryskamp was adept at spotting new and unknown talent that had long-term potential,” ECPA officials said. “And his character was on full display when interacting one-on-one with mentally and physically challenged persons who worked at Zondervan daily through a partnership with the Hope Network.”

In retirement, Ryskamp and his wife, Jeri, have devoted their time and resources to the nonprofit Bruce and Jeralyn Ryskamp Orphan Assistance Foundation, providing funding for families who wish to adopt international orphans with special needs.

The award is presented by ECPA to an individual for his exceptional contribution to the Christian publishing industry. It is named in honor of Charles “Kip” Jordon (1945-1997), Christian publishing veteran of more than 25 years, and former publisher of Word Publishing.