Kirk House names Walhof publisher
Kirk House Publishers has named Karen Walhof president and publisher according to Leonard Flachman, chair of the board. Flachman announced to the publisher’s advisory council in late August that he is retiring and that Walhof would become president and publisher as of September 1.
Walhof, who has been with the company since its inception in 1994, is “extremely well qualified” to assume the position, Flachman said. She has 40 years of publishing experience, 20 of which were with Augsburg Publishing House and Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis.
She joined the Augsburg Publishing House development staff in 1973 as an editorial assistant and by 1987 had been promoted to senior editor. While at Augsburg Publishing House Walhof managed the editing processes for Lutheran Book of Worship. At the completion of that project, she did pioneer work in the development of audio and video products.
When Kirk House Publishers initiated the Lutheran University Press (LUP) imprint in 2006, Walhof immediately assumed responsibilities as editorial director and vice president. She has a strong commitment to the ministry of the congregation. She has twice served as president of her congregation, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, in South Minneapolis. Educated in both a parochial elementary and high school, she has high biblical literacy and theological aptitude, Flachman pointed out.
With the two imprints the company will continue to publish in the varied genre for which it is known. For the past six years Walhof has managed editorial, graphic design, and printing for the company.
Flachman, who for the past year has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer at Mayo Clinic, is unable to continue his duties and responsibilities as the publisher.
Tags: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Karen Walhof, Kirk House Publishers, Leonard Flachman, Lutheran Book of Worship, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Lutheran University Press
