Chasity Edwards appointed Publicity Director and Ashley Thuernau named Marketing Manager
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 19, 2025) — Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift, imprints of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, are pleased to announce the addition of two marketing professionals to their growing team: Chasity Edwards as Publicity Director and Ashley Thuernau as Marketing Manager. These strategic hires reflect the group’s continued commitment to reaching readers through innovative marketing and compelling author engagement.
Chasity Edwards joins as Publicity Director following her tenure as Publicity Manager at W Publishing Group, where she led successful campaigns for bestselling authors including Sarah Jakes Roberts, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Louie Giglio. With over a decade of experience across publishing, tech, sports, and entertainment, Edwards brings a dynamic, results-driven approach to author publicity. In her new role reporting to Vice President of Marketing Kristi Smith, she will lead publicity efforts across the Zondervan and Thomas Nelson gift lines, overseeing author media strategy, developing national and local press campaigns, securing media placements, and innovating outreach approaches for both frontlist and backlist titles.
Ashley Thuernau joins the team from Edelweiss, where she supported publishers in optimizing metadata, digital marketing, and discoverability. She brings deep expertise in email marketing, website design, and digital engagement strategy. In her new role as Marketing Manager reporting to Mandy Wilson, director of marketing, Ashley will lead the development and execution of consumer-facing marketing campaigns for the Gift Books portfolio. She will focus on enhancing discoverability, driving online engagement, and leveraging data insights to create targeted campaigns that connect with readers across channels.
“Chasity and Ashley bring a blend of creativity, strategy, and industry experience that will be instrumental in elevating our gift books in the marketplace,” said Kristi Smith, Vice President of Marketing, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift Books. “Their combined expertise in marketing and publicity positions us to serve our authors better and reach readers more effectively in a dynamic media landscape.”
“As the gift book market continues to evolve, readers are seeking thoughtful, beautifully designed content that offers both inspiration and value,” said Stephanie Newton, Vice President and Publisher, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift Books. “To meet these growing expectations, we’re investing in creative leaders who understand how to engage today’s audience across platforms. Chasity and Ashley bring the expertise, innovation, and strategic vision needed to expand our reach and elevate our brand in a competitive marketplace.”
HarperCollins Christian Publishing
The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprint, BibleGateway.com, FaithGateway.com, StudyGateway.com and ChurchSource.com. The Company produces bestselling Bibles, inspirational books, academic resources, curriculum, audio and digital content for the Christian market space. Bible Gateway is the world’s largest Christian website with more than 20 million unique visitors each month. HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. with additional offices in the U.S. and Mexico. For more information, visit www.HarperCollinsChristian.com.
Contact: Chasity Edwards, Publicity Director, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift, Chasity.edwards@harpercollins.com
