“Positioned at the intersection of wine and literature, the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival offers eye, heart and mindopening opportunities, all the while striking just the right blend of seriousness and hilarity”. – Billy Collins, Two-time U.S. Poet Laureate
“The Authors Festival was original, energetic, thoughtfully composed, and generous of spirit. We enjoyed and learned from our time both as speakers and as audience. Thank you, Sonoma Valley”. – Jim and Deb Fallows
“The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival has already become an important spot on the literary and cultural landscape. With a lineup of speakers that any event would envy, with engaged and intelligent audiences and with its spectacular setting, this is an event to say “yes” to.” – David Brooks
MAY 1 - 3 , 2020
FA I R M O N T S O N O M A M I S S I O N I N N
At a time when the art of listening seems to be disappearing, the need for civil discourse has never been greater. With so many voices vying for our attention, people are receptive to well-informed speakers and eager for thoughtful conversation and discussion of ideas. The demographic of our attendees reflects that many are at a stage of life where they place a higher value on meaningful experiences than acquiring more material things. In addition, their desire for more intentional uses of time and resources, often called “vacationing with a purpose,� was the genesis of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival.
Th e F e s t i va l Vi s i o n
After long and fulfilling corporate careers, Sonoma Valley Authors Festival founders Ginny and David Freeman retired to Sonoma. As regular attendees of various public and private lectures, they discovered the world of author and speaker festivals and enjoyed connecting with others dedicated to life-long learning. Living in a region known for outstanding beauty, wine, and food, they felt called to create an experience that celebrates the magic of the Sonoma Valley, enhanced by the power of ideas and conversation fueled by reading.
Stimulating th e Mind s and N urturing th e Souls of Reade r s
After long and fulfilling corporate careers, Sonoma Valley Authors Festival founders Ginny and David Freeman retired to Sonoma. As regular attendees of various public and private lectures, they discovered the world of author and speaker festivals and enjoyed connecting with others dedicated to life-long learning. Living in a region known for outstanding beauty, wine, and food, they felt called to create an experience that celebrates the magic of the Sonoma Valley, enhanced by the power of ideas and conversation fueled by reading.
Th e F e s t i va l Vi s i o n
At a time when the art of listening seems to be disappearing,
the need for civil discourse has never been greater.
With so
many voices vying for our attention, people are receptive to wellinformed speakers and eager for thoughtful conversation and discussion of ideas. The demographic of our attendees reflects that many are at a stage of life where they place a higher value on meaningful experiences than acquiring more material things. In addition, their desire for more intentional uses of time and resources, often called “vacationing with a purpose,� was the genesis of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival.
The mission of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival is to bring people together to explore a variety of literary genres, discover the advances being made in science, technology and medicine, and foster genuine connections with others; simply stated, to “Stimulate the Minds and Nurture the Souls of Readers.� Based upon the response from the first two Authors Festivals, it’s clear Ginny and David Freeman are fulfilling a great need in the community.
At a time when so many voices compete for our attention,
forcing us to filter fact from fiction, the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival creates a shared experience. For a weekend, attendees and sponsors are captivated by some of the greatest writers and thinkers of our day. Hearing the story behind the stories, meeting literary heroes and making new connections are experiences that continue to resonate.
Stimulating th e Mind s and N urturing th e Souls of Reade r s
We are committed to sustaining the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival, and having it reach its full potential. In order to achieve this, we need you. Will you partner with us as a sponsor or donor, and help build upon the success so far? Your investment in the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival will have a great impact.
For Festival Sponsors, the experience is even richer. Seeing their
favorite authors from front-row seats, meeting—even introducing— speakers, and enjoying invitation-only receptions are among the benefits of sponsorship.
Sh a r i ng t h e Vi sion
Like similar productions, the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival only
generates about 25% of the revenue from ticket sales; 75% must come from tax deductible contributions made by Sponsors and Donors. The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Founders Ginny and David Freeman take no salary, donate all their time, and make a substantial personal financial commitment to the Festival every year. Without the support of donors and sponsors, it would be impossible to put on the Festival, Students Day, and Authors on the Plaza.
The ne e d for Spon sor sh ip
Sh a r i ng t h e Vi sion
The Freemans believe whole-heartedly in the need for good conversation, and the potential for The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival to grow even stronger. Please consider following their example and becoming a sponsor or donor today. In return for your investment, you will receive invitations to exclusive events and also be recognized for your generosity. F E S T I VA L S P O N S O R B E N E F I T S
Sponsors receive many benefits, including: • Festival opening night dinner with Authors and Sponsors • Opportunity to underwrite and introduce speakers at keynote and breakout sessions • Preferred seating for keynote and breakout presentations • Priority selection of breakout sessions at the festival • Priority festival registration check-in • Valet Parking at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa • Your name in sponsor recognition listings in the Authors Festival program, website, and festival signage • Opening reception of the Joan Irvine Collection of California Impressionist Art exhibit at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art For a complete list of benefits, refer to the inserts at the back of this brochure. WE WELCOME DONATIONS FROM DONOR ADVISED FUNDS, HOWEVER NEITHER TICKETS, NOR THE PORTION OF SPONSORSHIPS THAT HAVE BENEFITS TO THE DONOR, MAY BE PURCHASED WITH DONOR ADVISED FUNDS.
The ne e d for Spon sor sh ip
The inaugural Sonoma Valley Authors Festival was launched May 4, 2018. The audience of 550 people spent 2½ days listening to and visiting with 35 authors and speakers, enjoying a wide range of topics and breakout sessions. Building upon the success of the first festival, the second Authors Festival was held May 3-5, 2019, with a similar number of attendees, speakers, and format. The Festival was well received in 2018 and 2019. Forty-five percent of the attendees came from the greater Sonoma and Napa area, Forty-five percent from the San Francisco Bay area,
Th e F e st i va l E x p e r i e n c e
and ten percent from other locations. I M PAC T
Over 250 evaluations were received after each Festival and gave us great feedback and insight: • 96 % of all attendees ranked the Festival “excellent”. • 95% of the respondents “strongly agreed” that they were engaged in the experience, enjoyed the speaker line-up, were exposed to new points of view, and felt the content was relevant to our society and to current times. • 85% heard of the Festival by word of mouth.
LOOKING AHEAD
The next festival will be held on May 1-3, 2020, at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. It will have a more intimate audience of 450 people, and will feature a slightly smaller - yet more highly curated - offering of speakers and topics. For the 2020 Festival, there will be 9 main tent presentations and 16 breakouts sessions during the weekend, so each attendee will hear at least 13 different talks. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday. A special dinner to honor our Sponsors, Authors and Speakers will provide the opportunity to mix and mingle with new and old friends, to engage the authors and speakers in casual conversation, and to enjoy food and wine that epitomizes the Sonoma lifestyle.
Fulfilling a De sire for Connection
“The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival has already become an important spot on the literary and cultural landscape. With a lineup of speakers that any event would envy, with engaged and intelligent audiences and with its spectacular setting, this is an event to say “yes” to.” – David Brooks
The Inaugural Sonoma Valley Authors Festival was launched on May 4, 2018, after 18 months of planning. With 35 authors and thought leaders presenting, the audience of 550 people spent 2 ½ days enjoying a wide range of topics in “main tent” and “breakout” sessions.
Building upon the success of the first festival, the second
Authors Festival was held May 3-5, 2019, with a similar number of attendees, speakers, and format. The Festival has been well received in 2018 and 2019. Forty-five percent of the attendees came from
Th e F e st i va l E x p e r i e n c e
the greater Sonoma and Napa area, Forty-five percent from the San Francisco Bay area, and ten percent from other locations. I M PAC T
• Over 250 evaluations were received after each Festival and gave us some great feedback and insight: • 96 % of all attendees ranked the Festival “excellent” • 95% of the respondents “strongly agreed” that they were engaged in the experience, enjoyed the speaker line-up, were exposed to new points of view, and felt the content was relevant to our society and to current times • 85% heard of the Festival by word of mouth
LOOKING AHEAD
We are thrilled to announce the next festival will be held at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa on May 1-3, 2020. The Inn will enhance the festival experience by offering attendees a luxury setting to enjoy a highly curated selection of authors and speakers. For the 2020 Authors Festival, there will be nine keynote presentations and 16 breakout sessions during the weekend, so each attendee will hear at least 13 different talks. Breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday and Sunday. Friday evening, a special dinner honoring our sponsors, authors and speakers will provide the opportunity to mix and mingle with new and old friends, to engage the authors and speakers in casual conversation, and to enjoy food and wine that epitomizes the Sonoma lifestyle.
Fulfilling a De sire for Connection
As life-long readers, Ginny and David Freeman know and embrace the power of the printed word to spark imagination, and inspire growth and learning. Likewise, they are committed to making a difference in the lives of middle and high school students of the Sonoma Valley. At the onset of the festival, they created Students Day, a separate event for local schools. Students Day has proven to be wildly popular with students and teachers alike. Students Day is held on Friday, the first day of the Authors Festival, before the festival events begin in the afternoon. Over a dozen
S tu d e n t s Day
authors and thought leaders–most of whom also appear at the Authors Festival–speak to 2,700 middle and high school students in the Sonoma Valley. Also, students receive free copies of the books written by the presenting authors, all paid for with private funds. Between 4,000 and 5,000 books are given away to the students each year. Thanks to generous donors and sponsors, Students Day typically takes place at Sonoma Valley High School and Sonoma Academy, with students from Archbishop Hanna High School attending. Adele Harrison and Altimira Middle Schools also host an author with students from the Kenwood School participating.
The cost to produce Students Day is substantial; it costs
PA S T S P E A K E R S JAMIE BERNSTEIN
approximately $150,000 each year. There would be no Students Day
CHARINA CHOU
without the Festival as the cost to bring in the authors solely for
BILLY COLLINS
Students Day would be prohibitive. To ensure that we repeat the
ALEX FILIPPENKO
success of 2018 and 2019, we need the support of the community. Based upon the success of the first two events, we hope new funding
WADE DAVIS
ANDREA GHEZ ANTHONY RAY HINTON PEDRO IRAZOQUI ALANA NICHOLS
will allow us to include Santa Rosa schools. Please consider becoming a Sonoma Valley Authors Festival sponsor or donor today. We work with many Donor Advised Funds,
CAITLIN O’CONNELL CLAIRE SPOFFORD TRUDY TRUEIT JOSE ANTONIO VARGAS
N urturing
SIMON WINCHESTER
Family Foundations and Community Foundations. Information is on our website. www.svauthorsfest.org.
ANDREW ZALDIVAR ASTRONAUT SCOTT KELLY BILLY COLLINS R.J. PALACIO DR. ALEX FILIPPENKO
“You truly did a good deed in bringing the SVAF to Sonoma Valley High School. I was literally moved to tears to hear
DANIEL RODRIGUEZ DR. PEDRO IRAZOQUI LISA FENN
the excited comments, to answer this request for one more
DARTANYON CROCKETT
book, and to see how engaged our students were with
DR. RAMON RESA
the wonderful speakers. I know you will be hearing from the students as well but thank you from the bottom of my heart…school should be like this every day”. Janet Hansen, Librarian and Co-Head, English Department, Sonoma Valley High School
DEEPA THOMAS R. SANDERS WILLIAMS AKBAR AHMED
our Future
Ginny and David Freeman know – as life-long readers – the power of the printed word to spark imaginations and inspire growth and learning. Likewise, they are committed to making a difference in the lives of middle and high school students of the Sonoma Valley. At the onset of the festival, they created Students Day, a separate event for local schools. Students Day has proven to be wildly popular with students and teachers alike. Students Day occurs on the first day of the Authors Festival (on Friday, before the festival opens in the afternoon). Over a dozen
S tu d e n t s Day
authors and thought leaders – most of whom also appear at the Authors Festival – speak to 2,700 middle and high school students in the Sonoma Valley. High school students have the opportunity to see, and meet several speakers during the day. Also, students receive free copies of the books written by the presenting authors, all paid for with private funds. Between 4,000 and 5,000 books are given away to the students each year.
Students Day takes place at Sonoma Valley High School and
Sonoma Academy with students from Archbishop Hanna High School attending. Adele Harrison and Altimira Middle Schools also host an author with students from the Kenwood School participating.
The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival partnered with two
2 0 1 9 S T U D E N T S D AY AUTHORS/SPEAKERS
organizations that brought their management and organizational
JA M I E B E R N ST EIN
skills to Students Day. 10,000 Degrees, under the direction of Kim Mazzuca, President & Chief Executive Officer, is a recognized leader in the educational equity movement helping students from
C H A R I N A C H OU, Ph. D. WA DE DAV I S A N TH O N Y R AY HINTO N A L A N A N I C H O LS C A I TL I N O ’ CONNELL, Ph. D. C L A I R E S PA FFO RD D E E PA TH O MAS
economically disadvantaged backgrounds to enroll in and
TR U DY TR U E IT
graduate from college.
J OS E A N TO N IO VARGAS
The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation, under
ANDREW ZALDIVAR, Ph . D.
the leadership of Mary Favaro, Executive Director, partners with the Sonoma Valley Unified School District to enrich the student experience by funding specific, innovative academic programs to help students thrive throughout their school years from Early Childhood Literacy to College & Career Readiness.
S I M O N W I N C H EST ER
2 0 1 8 S T U D E N T S D AY AUTHORS/SPEAKERS A KB A R A H M ED B I L LY CO L L I NS DA RTA N YO N CRO CKET T L I SA F E N N D R . A L E X F I LIPPENKO P E DR O I R A ZOQ UI, Ph. D. C A P TA I N S COT T KELLY R . J. PA L AC I O D R . R A M O N RESA DA N I E L R O DRIGUEZ R . SA N D E R S W ILLIAM S
N urturing our Future
From the beginning, the Freeman’s have been dedicated to making the festival accessible to as many people as possible in the community, while maintaining the quality of the experience. On Saturday evening, May 4, 2019, Authors on the Plaza debuted at the historic Sonoma City Plaza. Thanks to generous underwriting by Cathy and Chuck Williamson, this free, family-oriented event proved to be an overwhelming success. More than 400 people heard two-time U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins and best-selling author Roger McNamee give memorable presentations.
Au t h o r s o n t h e P laza
The event opened with performances by local, world-renowned musicians Philip Claypool and Carlos Reyes. Laura Zimmerman, a local entrepreneur and philanthropist with a long history of support of Sonoma’s best non-profit organizations, served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Rounding out the community involvement, Readers’ Books—the locally owned independent bookstore in Sonoma—was the onsite bookseller. Many in attendance purchased books and had them signed by the authors immediately after the event.
Authors on the Plaza proved to be a big success in its inaugural year. With additional support, we will be able to dramatically expand the reach of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival and provide thousands of community members the chance to see and hear from some of the most renowned authors of our day – for free. Clearly there is an interest on the part of the community for this event to continue, and grow even more.
The cost to produce Authors on the Plaza is significant -
$40,000. With your support, we are confident it will become a new tradition for the community and deepen the impact of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival. You can help keep Authors on the Plaza a yearly event by becoming a Sponsor or Donor today.
S haring th e Ex pe rie nce
From the beginning, the Freeman’s have been dedicated to making the festival accessible to as many people as possible in the community, while maintaining the quality of the experience.
On Saturday evening, May 4, 2019,Authors on the Plaza debuted
at the historic Sonoma City Plaza. Thanks to generous underwriting by Cathy and Chuck Williamson, this free, family-oriented event proved to be a success. More than 400 people heard two-time U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins and best-selling author Roger McNamee give memorable presentations.
Au t h o r s o n t h e P laza
The event opened with performances by local, world-renowned
musicians Philip Claypool and Carlos Reyes. Laura Zimmerman, a local entrepreneur and philanthropist with a long history of support of Sonoma’s best non-profit organizations served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. Rounding out the community involvement, Readers’ Books – the locally owned independent bookstore in Sonoma – was the onsite bookseller. Many in attendance were able to purchase books and have them signed by the authors immediately after the event.
Authors on the Plaza proved to be a big success in its inaugural year. With additional support, we will be able to dramatically expand the reach of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival and provide thousands of community members the chance to see and hear from some of the most renowned authors of our day – for free. Clearly there is an interest on the part of the community for this event to continue, and grow even more. The cost to produce this event is significant—$40,000. With your support, we are confident it will become a new tradition for the community and deepen the impact of the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival. You can help keep Authors on the Plaza an annual event by becoming a Festival Sponsor or Donor today.
S haring th e Ex pe rie nce
We are grateful to the historic, five-star, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa for welcoming the 3rd Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival on May 1-3, 2020. Only 60 miles from San Francisco International Airport and less than 2½ miles from the Sonoma Plaza, the elegant, yet comfortable resort has a Michelin-rated restaurant and award-winning 40,000 sq. foot spa, originally created to utilize the healing power of its ancient thermal mineral springs. The Authors Festival experience can be enhanced by fitness and wellness offerings for attendees, including daily docent-led hikes and
Looking A h ead
yoga classes. A partnership with the neighboring Sonoma Golf Club allows guests access to a 75-year-old championship golf course. These amenities will entice attendees to arrive early and stay extra days after the Festival is over. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is eager to demonstrate its unique brand of luxury and outstanding service coupled with authentic spa experiences to Festival attendees and is a featured sponsor for the weekend.
A New Ve nue for 2020
We are thrilled to announce that the 3rd Annual Sonoma Valley Authors Festival will be held May 1-3, 2020 at the historic, 5-star Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa! Only 60 miles from SFO and less than 2.5 miles from the Sonoma Plaza, the elegant, yet comfortable resort has a Michelin-rated restaurant and award-winning 40,000 sq. foot spa, originally created due to the healing power of its ancient thermal mineral springs. The Festival experience can be enhanced by fitness and wellness offerings including daily docent-led hikes and yoga classes. A
Looking A h ead
partnership with the neighboring Sonoma Golf Club allows guests access to a 75-year-old championship golf course. These amenities will entice attendees to arrive early and stay on extra days after the Festival is over. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is eager to demonstrate its unique brand of luxury and outstanding service coupled with authentic spa experiences to Festival attendees and will be a featured sponsor for the weekend.
Benefits of moving the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival to The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa include: • The Pavilion, a permanent, climate-controlled “main tent” that will serve as the site for keynote presentations. • A reputation for delivering excellent food and attentive guest service. • A very competitive room rate for festival attendees that book their rooms early using the Sonoma Valley Authors Festival limited room block. • A reduced daily resort fee that includes unlimited basic Internet access, daily fitness classes, free shuttle service to downtown Sonoma and more. • It is rated among Travel + Leisure’s top 25 spas, offering 40,000 square feet of spa and exercise space. • Guests have access to the Sonoma Golf Club, designed by Sam Whiting in 1928, architect of San Francisco’s prestigious Olympic Golf Club Lake Course. • Plentiful on-site parking for self park or valet park is available for all guests, visitors, staff, and volunteers • Larger breakout session rooms will assure more attendees will hear their top choices in speakers • Accommodations and food quality will allow us to hold the Author/Sponsor dinner on the property on Friday evening May 1
A New Ve nue for 2020
SPONSORS AND DONORS
Bank of Marin
Lynne Deegan-McGraw
Colene & Russell Johnson
Kate & Henry Rogers
Book Passage
Margie & Paul Denning
Fred Karren
Venetta & John Rohal
Community Foundation Sonoma
Harriet Derwingson
Bruce Kikuyama & Mark Smigelski
Martha & Steve Rosenblatt
Exchange Bank
Gail Diserens
Debby & Paul Sagues
Individuals, businesses, and
First Republic Bank
Dagmar Dolby
Nancy Kivelson & Tom Angstadt
Jackson Family Enterprises, Inc.
Carol & Dixon Doll
Hood & Strong LLP
Quattrocchi Kwok Architects
Andrew Koenigsberg & Rob Izzo
Becky Draper
Jill Kramer
Nancy & Edward Smith
Sonoma Valley Education Foundation
Susan & Joe DuCote
Vicki & John Kryzanowski
Elaine & Graham Smith
Sherry Dumke
Esty & Tom Landy
Lynn Spitler
Alison Engel
Sandy Larson
Dana & Ken Stokes
Susan Engs
Laura Lazarus
Vicki & David Stollmeyer
Jacqueline Erdman
Maribelle & Stephen Leavitt
Pam & John Story
David Evans
Sandra Leland
Bridget Duffy & David Strand
Cynthia Farner, M.D.
Mary Lester
Mark Feichtmeir
Susan Levine & Jim Lauer
Elizabeth McCarty & Edward Suharski
Sally & Joe Fernandez
Marcia and Jim Levy
Claudia Feurey
Leonard Lieberman
Linda Fitz
Nancy & Tony Lilly
Julie Ford
Marie & Barry Lipman
Stephanie & Richard Fredericks
Connie & Haig Mardikian
Ginny & David Freeman
Hank Martinson
Perry & Charles Freeman
Susan & Dennis McQuaid
Jan & James F. Buckley, Jr.
Gretchen & Bob Gardner
Diane Plumlee & Michael van den Akker
Leslie & Mac McQuown
Diane & Todd Garrett
Susan Van Wagner
Kathleen Burke & Ralph Davis
Buffy Miller
Susan & Jonathan Golovin
Margrit & Carl Vogt
Dan and Stacey Case Family Foundation
Susan & Dennis Mooradian
Lorraine & Hugh Gordon
Patsy & Tim Wallace
Linda & Jim Murphy
Carmen Castro-Franceschi
Margaret & Art Grandy
Lucie & Jerry Weissman
Sandy Otellini
Kathy Chaix
Maud Hallin
Emely & Ronald Weissman
Ann Paolini & David Lambert
Mary and Yanek Chiu
Donna Halow & Paul Luca
Judith Wilbur & Dick Otter
Pamela & Larry Parker
Jean Collier Hurley
Anne Halsted & Wells Whitney
Cathy & Chuck Williamson
Helen & Blair Pascoe
Margaret & Ted Collins
Jeanne Walker Harvey
Barbra & Bill Wood
JaMel & Tom Perkins
Mary & Jim Corroon
Joan & Alan Henricks
Valerie & Jim Woods
Mary Jo Potter
Rafael Costas
Barbara Henry
Kay Woods
Mary Prchal
Helga & Roy Curry
Carol Henwood
Anita & Ronald Wornick
Eva & Bill Price III
Margaret & John Dalton
John Hering
Judy & Chuck Young
Ellie Phipps Price
Sisi Damner
Polly & Gary Hultquist
Anne & Robert Zerbst
Karen & George Rathman
Gretchen de Baubigny
Katie Banke Jackson
Susan & Jon Reiter
foundations who have given $2,500 or more for the 2018 and/or 2019 Authors Festivals
10,000 Degrees Vadasz Family Foundation Anonymous Susan & Lawrence Amaturo Martha & Bruce Atwater Jane & Jerry Baldwin Cynthia Schuman & Dan Banks Marie-Jose & Kent Baum Sandy & Thomas Bertelsen JoAnn & Jack Bertges Kimberly & Simon Blattner Betty Brachman Suzanne Brangham & Jack Lundgren
Joan Withers Dinner
Sonoma Cast Stone Barbara Sachs Senn
Maureen Sullivan Barbara Talbott Anne Kaiser & Bob Taylor Diane & Toby Taylor Deepa & Thampy Thomas Irene Tibbits
AUTHORS AND SPEAKERS
2 01 9 AU TH O R S F E STI VA L
2 01 8 AU TH O R S F E STI VAL
Jamie Bernstein*
Akbar Ahmed*
Tom Brokaw
Douglas Brinkley
Jeffrey Brown
David Brooks
Tracey Shepos Cenami
Jeffrey Brown
Charina Chou, Ph.D.*
Tim Brown
Billy Collins*
Billy Collins*
David Crane
Dartanyon Crockett*
Wade Davis*
Lukman Faily*
Esi Edugyan
Lisa Fenn*
Deborah Fallows
Niall Ferguson
James Fallows
Sally Fernandez
Dr. Alex Filippenko*
Dr. Alex Filippenko*
Francis Fukuyama, Ph.D.
Chris Flink
Philip K. Howard
J. Douglas Holladay
Jill Hunting
Pedro Irazoqui, Ph.D.*
Pedro Irazoqui, Ph.D.*
Doris Kearns Goodwin
Steven Johnson
Julie Lythcott-Haims
Gordon Lithgow, Ph.D.
Captain Scott Kelly*
Mack McCarter
Gordon Lithgow, Ph.D.
Michael McFaul
Bill Milliken
Roger McNamee
R. J. Palacio*
John Mcreynolds
Bill Petrocelli
Alana Nichols*
Dr. Stanley B. Prusiner
Caitlin O’Connell, Ph.D.*
Dr. Ramon Resa*
John Burnham Schwartz
Richard Rhodes
Michael Shellenberger
Joseph Rodota
Claire Spafford*
Daniel Rodriguez*
Anne Snyder
Rebecca Rosenberg
James Strock
Darcey Rosenblatt
Tucker Taylor
Lisa See
Trudi Trueit*
Deepa Thomas*
Jose Antonio Vargas*
Dr. Eric Topol
Matthew Walker
Amor Towles
Justin Wangler
Les Vadasz
Simon Winchester, O.B.E.*
Jesmyn Ward
Andrew Zaldivar, Ph.D.*
Wells Whitney, Sc.D. Dr. R. Sanders Williams* Charles E. Young, Ph.D. *STUDENTS DAY SPEAKER
F E S T I VA L TEAM
Ginny Freeman | Co-Founder / Sonoma Valley Authors Festival R. David Freeman | Co-Founder / Sonoma Valley Authors Festival Elaine Petrocelli | Founder and President / Book Passage Mimi Gorin | President / Gorin Events & Communication Jenny Schneider | Event Partner / Gorin Events & Communication Paulette P. McMillan, CPA | Accounting and Senior Administrator Jeremy Sugerman | Legal Counsel / Gordon-Creed, Kelly, Holl & Sugerman Mary O’Mara | President / Marin Link (Fiscal Agent for 501(c)(3) pending IRS approval of our own application) Katie Ruppe | Marketing and Guest Relations Alan Rellaford | Event Coordinator Grant Peterson | Graphic Design / Peterson Design Craig Frazier | Illustrator Wendy Needels | Students Day Project Manager Carol Simmons | Festival Volunteer Manager Kip Bennett | Speaker Concierge Manager Blaine Transue | Website Management / North Bay Web The Sonoma Valley Authors Festival has no full-time employees. The founders donate their time, draw no salary, and make a significant financial contribution to the Festival.
Elaine Petrocelli, owner and founder of Book Passage, is an integral part of the Festival team. Along with her husband, Bill, they operate two independent bookstores in Corte Madera and The San Francisco Ferry Building. Elaine’s reputation, expertise, and connections have been vital in selecting and securing authors to speak at the Festival. Book Passage manages the on-site bookstore during the Festival, works throughout the year to arrange speakers, and donates 10% of all Festival book sales to support Students Day.
S T R AT E G I C PA R T N E R S
10,000 Degrees | Kim Mazzuca / President and CEO Sonoma Valley Education Foundation | Mary Favaro / Executive Director Cathy & Chuck Williamson | Underwriters for Authors on the Plaza
M AY 1-3 , 2 02 0
FA I R M O N T S O N O M A M I S S I O N I N N
SONOMA VALLEY AUTHORS FESTIVAL P.O. BOX 1447 SONOMA, CA 95476-1447 TELEPHONE 707-282-9028 SVAUTHORSFEST.ORG ADMIN@SVAUTHORSFEST.ORG