Nashville, Tenn. (May 8, 2025) – HarperCollins Christian Publishing (HCCP) today announced two promotions to its Executive Leadership Team. Melinda Bouma has been promoted to Vice President, Associate Group Publisher, Zondervan Bibles, Academic, and Reflective, while Philip Nation has been promoted to Vice President, Associate Group Publisher, Thomas Nelson Bibles and Spanish Publishing. Both will report to Mark Schoenwald, President and Chief Executive Officer of HarperCollins Christian Publishing.
“Melinda and Philip are proven leaders,” said Schoenwald. “They have grown their businesses in an extraordinary manner. I’m excited for them to increase their impact in their new roles and as part of our Executive Leadership Team.”
In her new position, Bouma will lead the publishing group comprising Zondervan Bibles, Zondervan Academic, and Zondervan Reflective. Zondervan Bibles publishes an expansive list of award-winning Bibles in the New International Version (NIV), New International Reader’s Version (NIrV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue), and Amplified Bible (AMP). Zondervan Academic is recognized as the leading publisher of academic and scholarly works for Christian scholars, pastors, and students, while Zondervan Reflective publishes books on Christian leadership, ministry, and the intersection of faith and culture.
Bouma joined Zondervan in 2003, working first in various Bible marketing positions before shifting to editorial. In 2013, she became Editorial Director for Zondervan Bibles. She was later promoted to Associate Publisher in 2015 and Vice President, Publisher, in 2019. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Calvin University and a master of business administration from the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
“My time at Zondervan Bibles has been incredibly rewarding,” said Bouma. “For over two decades, I have been privileged to work with trusted authors and scholars to make the Bible clearer and more accessible to readers globally. For many years, I have witnessed the remarkable strength of the Zondervan Academic and Reflective teams. I am honored to now join their mission and contribute to their efforts. The potential for collaborating and expanding synergies among these publishing areas is vast. I am delighted to serve alongside these exceptional teams and equip the global church through the meaningful work we are blessed to do.”
In his new role, Nation will lead the publishing group comprising Thomas Nelson Bibles, Catholic Bible Press, and Spanish Publishing (books, Bibles, and reference materials). Thomas Nelson Bibles publishes an expansive list of award-winning Bibles in the New King James Version (NKJV), King James Version (KJV), and New English Translation (NET), along with translations for Catholic Bibles and the Orthodox Church. Spanish Publishing includes Editorial Vida, Group Nelson, Editorial Católica, and HarperEnfoque, and publishes books, Bibles, academic, and reference materials.
Nation joined HCCP in 2019 as Vice President and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Bibles. Before that, he served as a church planter and pastor, Director of Content Development for Lifeway Christian Resources, Director of Advancement and Global Impact Churches with the Baptist World Alliance, and as a university professor. He has a master of divinity from Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and a doctor of ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
“I am blessed for this opportunity to expand my work in the great kingdom endeavor of publishing Bibles and Christian books,” said Nation. “I look forward to the continued work with the exceptional teams at HCCP as we do all we can to introduce the message of Jesus Christ to people across the globe.”
These promotions come after John Kramp, Senior Vice President, Group Publisher, shared his plans to retire at the end of 2025. Kramp has spent ten years with HCCP, leading Bibles, Spanish, Academic, and Reflective throughout his time.
“From the time John joined our team, his focus was growing the business while preparing our next generation of leaders,” said Schoenwald. “He has accomplished both and will continue to lead our work in leadership development through the end of the year on a part-time basis.”
“Being part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing has been the highlight of my professional life,” said Kramp. “Melinda and Philip will do an outstanding job in their new roles. I could not be prouder of them or more excited about the future of these publishing groups.”
About HarperCollins Christian Publishing
The world’s leading Christian publisher, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. comprises the Thomas Nelson, Zondervan, and HarperChristian Resources publishing groups and imprints, 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 29 million unique visitors each month.
HarperCollins Christian Publishing is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. For more information, visit harpercollinschristian.com.
