CAROL STREAM, Ill.—March 11, 2022—Tyndale House Ministries (@tyndalehouse) has announced that Blaine Smith, Bible Publisher, will retire on March 31, after serving at the company for nearly 16 years.
Publishing veteran Amy Simpson, who has served as Associate Bible Publisher, will succeed Smith as Bible Publisher.
During his tenure, Smith led the ideation/visioning, development, and launch of numerous key Bibles and new brands that today are the mainstay of the Tyndale Bible business, including the Inspire® Bible line; Every Man’s Bible; Life Application® Study Bible, Third Edition; Operation Worship; and many more.
Of Smith’s contributions, Vice President and Group Publisher Jeff Rustemeyer commented, “Perhaps Blaine’s biggest contribution came two years ago when he cast the vision for taking the Filament technology and launching it within the redeveloped New Living Translation Bible line, which has more than doubled sales and has been a key driver in growing Tyndale’s overall Bible business.” Rustemeyer continued, “Under Blaine’s leadership (and as a result of many of his new Bible concepts), the Bible ministry business is on track for continued significant growth. Blaine’s drive and vision for new Bible concepts and opportunities in conjunction with his heart and passion for making the Lord’s Word accessible and understandable for all to experience have helped drive our Bible ministry.”
While the numbers are impressive and speak for themselves, Smith always took a humble posture, knowing that success is never due to one person but is part of a larger team effort. His selfless, sacrificial leadership and strong work ethic set him apart. He delayed his retirement plans several times this past year, sacrificing his own personal plans and time with family. He stayed on to help provide a smooth transition to the new, incoming team and to ensure that they are in the best possible position to succeed and continue Dr. Taylor’s legacy of making God’s Word accessible for all to hear and understand. Blaine’s heart and deep desire is to leave Tyndale Bibles stronger than it has ever been and poised for a strong future of ministry growth ahead. He has done everything in his power to ensure that the current momentum not only continues but also grows stronger with the new team in place.
Regarding his long career at Tyndale and his impending retirement, Smith shared, “As a young teenager, Tyndale’s Bible publishing ministry was already making an impact on my life as it has done for untold millions over the past fifty-plus years. God used that padded green hardcover Living Bible to change my heart and introduce me to a life-long relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am eternally grateful. During my time serving as Tyndale’s Bible Publisher, I have had the privilege of working alongside many amazing people. And now I get the added blessing of turning over this responsibility to Amy Simpson. Since joining Tyndale, Amy has quickly embraced the complexities of Bible publishing. Her strong leadership is already making a positive impact on the Bible team, the growth of the New Living Translation, and the overall ministry impact of Tyndale’s Bible publishing legacy. I can’t wait to see how God uses her in this ministry in the years ahead.”
Simpson, who joined Tyndale House in 2021, has previously filled editorial, acquisitions, publishing, and executive leadership roles at Group Publishing, Christianity Today, and Moody Publishers. She holds an English degree from Trinity International University, an MBA from the University of Colorado, and CPCC certification from Coaches Training Institute.
Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT) and also offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh, new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, contributing a majority of annual revenue—more than $110 million dollars throughout its history—to charitable missions. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world.
Contact: Katie Dodillet, Director of Public Relations, katiedodillet@tyndale.com
