After a distinguished career of 31 years working for the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) in various capacities, Sleep Savvy Editor Nancy Butler announced she will retire at the end of the year. Butler will pass her responsibilities on to BedTimes editor Julie A. Palm.
Butler successfully launched Sleep Savvy magazine in 2002 to create an industry communications channel to retailers and focus on practical ideas to make it easier to sell quality bedding products. She first came to ISPA in 1973 as BedTimes editor and subsequently served as publisher and the Association’s vice president of communications. From 1983 to 1994, she also served as director of the Better Sleep Council.
Julie Palm, an industry veteran herself, will now step into the role of editor in chief for both Sleep Savvy and BedTimes magazines.
“We wish Nancy all the best in her retirement,” said ISPA President Ryan Trainer. “Nancy has had a tremendous impact on ISPA, helping to shape both magazines into strong brands with a loyal and growing readership base. Moving forward, our team is excited about building on these important accomplishments and the new opportunities that await our readers and the publications.”
ISPA also announced the appointment of Mary Best as managing editor and earlier this year, Barbara Nelles as associate editor of both Sleep Savvy and BedTimes magazines.
Best has been a writer and editor for more than 25 years and has extensive experience in trade journalism and magazine publishing.
“Mary brings a wealth of experience to the ISPA publications team,” said Julie Palm. “She has a keen editor’s eye, a lively writing style, as well as a passion for magazine journalism. We look forward to the contributions she will make to both Sleep Savvy and BedTimes.”
Nelles, who joined ISPA in 2009 as a senior writer, will help shape editorial direction and assist with the magazine’s digital strategy.
About The International Sleep Products Association: Established in 1915, the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the growth, profitability and stature of the mattress industry. As the industry’s trade organization, ISPA represents over 600 mattress manufacturers and suppliers throughout the world.
ISPA provides a wide range of member services, including industry surveys and statistics, advocacy support, educational offerings, the ISPA EXPO trade show, safety research through its Sleep Products Safety Council, consumer research and education through its Better Sleep Council, Bed Times and Sleep Savvy publications, and the ISPA Earth™ Industry Sustainability Initiative. Additional information is available via the website at www.sleepproducts.org.