David C Cook Names Linda Howard EVP, Publisher

The Christian publisher promoted Howard to executive vice president and publisher after she joined the company 14 months earlier.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Media

Isometric editorial illustration of a stepped stack of blank, untitled book blocks beside one open empty hardcover on a plain matte surface. — David C Cook has promoted Linda Howard to executive vice president and publisher, leading its U.S. and global book divisions 14 months after she joined the Christian publisher. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

David C Cook has named Linda Howard executive vice president and publisher, a promotion made 14 months after she joined the company. Howard leads the company's U.S. and global books divisions.

Why it matters

The promotion places Howard in charge of the company's book publishing operations across both domestic and international markets. It also comes alongside the company's selection as primary publisher for Focus on the Family, a significant publishing relationship.

Howard joined David C Cook 14 months before her promotion to executive vice president and publisher. The company's primary publisher role for Focus on the Family begins in 2028.

The players

Linda Howard

Linda Howard is the executive vice president and publisher at David C Cook, leading its U.S. and global books divisions.

David C Cook

David C Cook is a Christian publishing company and the parent of Cook Media Global.

Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family is a Christian ministry organization that has selected David C Cook as its primary publisher.

The details

Howard built strategic relationships with best-selling authors, agents, and ministries during her time at the company, and she is credited with helping secure the Focus on the Family publisher role. David C Cook is the parent company of Cook Media Global.

14 months before the announcement: Howard joined David C Cook.
2028: David C Cook becomes primary publisher for Focus on the Family.

Market Landscape

The appointment and publisher arrangement reflect consolidation among Christian publishers seeking long-term ministry partnerships. The 2028 start date places the arrangement several years ahead, giving David C Cook a defined role in Focus on the Family's publishing efforts.

Readers of Christian books may see changes in David C Cook's title lineup as Howard oversees the U.S. and global books divisions. The 2028 Focus on the Family arrangement may affect which publisher readers encounter for that ministry's materials.

The takeaway

Leadership appointments at publishers often signal shifts in strategy and partnerships, and this promotion ties a longtime executive to a major ministry relationship that begins in 2028.