The San Antonio Book Festival (SABF) has named Lisa Ayres as its new executive director. A seasoned nonprofit leader with over two decades of experience in fundraising, development, and team leadership, Ayres will lead the organization into its next chapter of growth while advancing its mission to celebrate books, ideas, and community.
Ayres most recently served as vice president of development at the Alzheimer’s Association San Antonio & South Texas Chapter, where she oversaw campaigns and events that generated more than $3 million annually. Her career also includes leadership positions with the American Cancer Society, Catholic Charities, and KLRN-TV, where she built strong donor networks, led high-performing teams, and elevated community visibility.
“I have loved reading books for as long as I can remember, inspired by my family of library lovers and the joy of stories that connect us.”
“I have loved reading books for as long as I can remember, inspired by my family of library lovers and the joy of stories that connect us,” said Lisa Ayres, SABF executive director. “It is an honor to bring that lifelong passion to the San Antonio Book Festival, and to embrace our mission to celebrate literature and connect readers of all ages.”
The annual San Antonio Book Festival features about 100 national, regional, and local authors with current books at presentations, on panels and at book signings for readers of all ages and interests. Since its creation in 2012, the annual festival has gathered thousands of attendees downtown at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus every spring. SABF also hosts year-round free programming to the public and in Title 1 schools that promotes reading, writers and books and strengthens our community’s literary culture.
“Lisa’s combination of nonprofit leadership, fundraising expertise, and genuine love of reading makes her the perfect choice to guide the organization forward.”
“Lisa’s combination of nonprofit leadership, fundraising expertise, and genuine love of reading makes her the perfect choice to guide the organization forward,” said Katy Flato, SABF founding executive director and current member of the board. “We are excited to have her join our terrific team and are confident she will be a dynamic and visionary leader who will focus our strengths and find ways for the festival to grow in new and important directions.”
The 14th Annual San Antonio Book Festival will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Central Library and UTSA Southwest Campus in downtown San Antonio. The event is free and open to the public.
