WNYBAC assistant executive director appointed

The Western New York Book Arts Center (WNYBAC) announced the appointment of Nicole Cooke as assistant executive director. In her new role, Cooke will assist Executive Director Gail Nicholson in daily operations as well as outreach and development.

A graduate of SUNY Buffalo State, Cooke comes from Valu Home Centers, a family-owned, regional chain of home improvement stores based in Buffalo. During her five-year tenure at Valu Home Centers, Cooke quickly rose through the ranks from digital media coordinator through multiple promotions to communications and development manager. She worked with Valu’s marketing team to improve and expand social media outreach, modernize print signage according to brand standards, engage the community through charitable giving and public relations, and oversee the implementation and stewardship of Valu’s customer loyalty program, “Best Rewards.” Cooke also helped implement Valu’s volunteer program, “Valu Crew.” In 2017, she was selected as a Buffalo Business First “30 Under 30” honoree.

Cooke has been a member and volunteer at WNYBAC for more than four years, and has served on WNYBAC’s board of directors since 2018. In addition to her involvement at WNYBAC, she has also participated in the Ride for Roswell for the past six years, raising nearly $15,000 as an individual rider. Recently, Cooke was selected as a speaker at the “Get Worked Up” conference for emerging artists by the WNY chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design.

“We are thrilled that Nicole is joining our staff. Her creative skills and business acumen are welcome additions as we increase programs for artists, families and audiences of Western New York,” Nicholson said.

The Western New York Book Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a greater understanding of printing and book-related arts through education, creation and exhibition for a broad and diverse community. WNYBAC is located at 468 Washington St., Buffalo. For more information visit www.wnybookarts.org/exhibitions.