The Reading Agency welcomes two new Heads of Department
The Reading Agency is delighted to announce the appointments of Hayley Butler as Head of Marketing and Communications and Louisa Steel as Head of Engagement (Adults).
Hayley Butler joined the Reading Agency at the start of the year. Hayley has worked in a variety of sectors including recruitment, events, arts and culture. Having spent the last 6 years working as Head of Marcomms for charity and commercial venue, Wac Arts, Hayley is well placed to support The Reading Agency’s vision for the future. As part of her professional experience she has built departments from the ground up, delivered expert digital campaigns and has created innovative programmes of work using storytelling activity to lift brand. Her experience supporting fundraising and income generation through stakeholder engagement, events and exciting creative will add value to the work of the Reading Agency.
Hayley says, “I believe that reading is fundamental, transformational and that everyone deserves the opportunity to be empowered and inspired by reading. I am going to work with the team to take The Reading Agency’s brand to the next level, amplifying the great work that is happening and creating opportunities for The Reading Agency to impact even more people across the UK.”
Miki Lentin, Trustee of The Reading Agency says, “The Reading Agency plays a critical role in inspiring people to read to a better life. As the charity broadens its programmes to encourage more people to engage with its offer, I am delighted that it has appointed Hayley Butler as the new Head of Marketing and Communications. Hayley comes with a wealth of experience, but more importantly brings an eagerness and enthusiasm to the task of ensuring that The Reading Agency’s communications and marketing creates greater impact.”
Louisa Steel joins The Reading Agency in February from Essex Libraries, and brings with her a wealth of experience of the library sector and reader development. As a Chartered Librarian for nearly 30 years, Louisa has strong skills and a breadth and depth of direct experience of the impact of The Reading Agency’s work. Her most recent role has been as Customer Partner, Outreach and Engagement Lead with responsibility for library services to adults. Prior to that she spent three years as Reader Development and Access Manager, ensuring library services reach underrepresented groups and managed the library provision at HMP/YOI Chelmsford. She has also spent five years as an Advisor to the Essex Book Festival Board.
Subnum Hariff, Trustee of the Reading Agency commented on Louisa’s appointment says, “We’re delighted with the appointment of Louisa Steel. As a passionate and experienced librarian delivering innovative services to the vulnerable and hard-to-reach, I believe Louisa will bring a wealth of insight and new approaches to The Reading Agency’s work.”
Get involved
Find out more about Reading Ahead and Quick Reads, our programmes for emergent adult readers
Read all about our latest Reading Well booklist, created to support children’s mental health and wellbeing
