Board Member – stlouispublishers

Board Members 2024-2025

Jo Lena Johnson – President SLPA

Jo Lena Johnson started writing in her first diary many years ago and hasn’t stopped since. Back then she was trying to figure out how to express her passion, creativity and emotions – especially during her turbulent teen years. Later she was told that writing from the inside would help her “connect to the pain and heal” when dealing with the loss of a loved one. Writing helped. In 2010 she wrote her first fifteen books – to help people live their lives more fully. As an international publisher, book/writing coach and professional speaker, best-selling author and Certified Resilience Coach, Jo Lena also facilitates professional development and life skills for individuals and organizations around the US and internationally.
absolutegoodenterprises.com

Jeff Bender – Vice President SLPA

Jeff Bender is the founder of Lion+Owl, an inclusive children’s apparel brand specializing in sensory-friendly adaptive clothing for kids aged 4–12. As a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ families, Jeff also serves as the director of the Payson Grey Foundation, a nonprofit committed to raising awareness and supporting causes for all. A father of two, including a transgender son, Jeff’s unique journey fuels his work as a speaker, educator, and activist helping families feel seen, comfortable and confident. Beyond his work in fashion and advocacy, Jeff is an accomplished author, and his memoir candidly shares insights that bridge generations and promote understanding.
lionandowl.us
paysongreyfoundation.org

Nichole Randall – Treasurer

Accounting professional with a record of success in balancing books and finding discrepancies. Successful in coordinating deadline-oriented projects among various city, state, and Housing Urban Development (HUD) offices. Proven ability to blend analysis, problem solving and effective communication to produce results that are aligned with my employer’s commitment of providing opportunity rich communities for low-income families. Instrumental in keeping business operations fully compliant and working within budgetary guidelines. Skilled in tracking all expenses and reconciling accounts.

Kerri Holloway – Secretary & Special Events Coordinator

Kerri M. Holloway is a freelance editor and copywriter with over 20 years’ experience helping authors, nonprofits, small business owners, and Christian ministries. As the principal of Successful Improvements she is committed to helping people share their story and transform their ideas into reality. Kerri provides full-service editing for manuscripts in the following categories: nonfiction (personal memoir, Christian ministry, youth programs, women, family, personal journal; and youth (fiction and nonfiction)—children’s picture books, early readers.
successful-improvements.com

Sean Gold – Webmaster

Sean Gold is a young, black, gay man with a disability. His desire is to enlighten, inform and support others in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, and beyond. He is an advocate for people with disabilities, an author, a public speaker, and has been mentioned on multiple media outlets from 2020 to 2023, including podcasts. In 2021, he published his memoir Pure Love, Pure Life: Loving Yourself Enough to Survive. In 2022, he published his second book The ABCs of Disabilities. In 2023, Gold became the Media Director of Festibility and a board member of the Saint Louis Area Disability Coalition. He is currently attending UMSL for a bachelor’s degree in English. In September 2023, he also published his third book.
linktr.ee/authorseangold

Kevin Ericson – Historian

I am currently a full-time accountant. Third generation Swedish immigrant. Three children and three grandchildren. Growing up, my family lived in Afghanistan during my pre-teen years and I’ve been to 18 countries, which gives a broad world view. I am a musician, including arranging Swedish songs for an annual Christmas show in Swedish in my church and play in a classic rock band. Various books in development, including 100+ year-old Swedish newspaper articles written by my grandfather; known lineage going back 500 years; Swedish song book with recordings.

Casandra McCottrell – Communications Director

Casandra McCottrell is an independent producer, screenwriter, and business owner with a genuine love for storytelling. With a background in television, including experience working on national and international programs like PBS and NBC, she has honed her skills in creating narratives that resonate with audiences. Her lifelong passion for media and storytelling has led her to the publishing industry, where she is excited to help diverse authors share their unique voices.

Princess Ezenwa – Event Coordinator

(Director of Cloud Strategy in real life) Dr. Patrick Jones is an experienced educator and technology expert, holding a doctorate in education leadership, a master’s degree in education technology, and bachelor’s degree in elementary education. With a career spanning roles as a teacher, administrator, and director of technology, Dr. Jones has honed his skills in integrating technology into diverse settings. Dr. Jones is dedicated to empowering learners through innovative technology solutions and making complex topics simple to understand. Fun thing: Father of 3 boys who keep me overmedicated with all of their sports!

Dr. Patrick Jones – Graphic Designer

Dr. Warren Martin – aka Marty Martin – Advisory Member at Large

Warren Martin (aka Marty) is past president of the SLPA and currently serves as President of Missouri Writers Guild. Warren served the majority of his 21-year career leading United States Army elite forces. In retirement, he has traveled worldwide on missions and to battlefields of historical events to create his first novel, Forgotten Soldiers, published 2022. His latest work, Surviving the Stroke a Minute with God: A Recovery and Rehabilitation Guide, chronicles his personal recovery when he experienced a severe hemorrhagic stroke in March of 2022 where he survived a minute with God.
martynmartin.net