Book lovers, allow us to introduce our new Executive Director, Bailee Yarbrough!

A Decatur resident, avid reader, and dedicated festival volunteer, Bailee brings a rare blend of community passion and operational leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and previously led large-scale initiatives at ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical Company. She now brings that same strategic and analytical expertise to guiding DBF into its next chapter. “At its heart, the Decatur Book Festival is about the community coming together to share stories and ideas,” said Yarbrough. “I am honored to steward DBF forward and continue creating welcoming spaces where readers and writers of all ages can gather, spark curiosity, and explore new perspectives.” Join us in thanking her predecessor, Leslie Wingate, and welcoming Bailee to our leadership!