Phillip Rafshoon, who has seen the AJC Decatur Book Festival grow to become one of the largest independent book fests in the country under his leadership, is stepping down.
Rafshoon became program director in December, 2012, and attendance almost doubled under his guidance. This year’s book festival drew about 75,000 visitors.
“It was a mutual decision,” said Rafshoon. “I had a terrific run of three years, I’m proud of what I’ve done. It was time to make a change.”
He will be succeeded by Julie Wilson, who worked as assistant program director over the last year.
Book fest executive director and co-founder Daren Wang said Rafshoon’s contributions “have helped to make the Decatur Book Festival what it is – not only the largest independent book festival in the country in terms of its size but, in our minds, the best in quality, as well.
Rafshoon is the former owner of the gay-oriented Outwrite Bookstore in Midtown, which closed in 2012. Wang said Rafshoon had a sense of the needs of many audiences. “He had broad eyes. He did a good job of reaching into the community and finding folks who could consult and advise.”
Adding variety to the book festival was a priority, said Rafshoon. “One of my aims was to make it as diverse as possible.”
Rafshoon said he would pursue opportunities in event planning, promotion, sales and development in Atlanta. “I have my friends, family and a lot of contacts here.”
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