Decatur Book Festival Appoints Bailee Yarbrough to Lead Its Next Chapter

DECATUR, Ga. — The Decatur Book Festival (DBF), one of the most beloved independent book festivals in the country, is proud to announce the appointment of Bailee Yarbrough as Executive Director. 

A Decatur resident, avid reader, and dedicated festival volunteer, Yarbrough brings a rare blend of community passion and operational leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in chemical engineering and previously led large-scale initiatives at ExxonMobil and Dow Chemical Company. She now brings that same strategic and analytical expertise to guiding DBF into its next chapter.

“Bailee has a rare combination of industrial experience and deep community commitment that aligns perfectly with the values and vision of DBF,” said Mathwon R. Howard, President of the Decatur Book Festival. “She’s a thoughtful, steady leader who will help DBF deepen its connection with readers, authors, and our community.”

Yarbrough succeeds Leslie Wingate, who is retiring after guiding the festival’s successful return to in-person programming in 2024 following the COVID-19 pandemic and leading the celebration of DBF’s 20th anniversary in 2025. Under Wingate’s leadership, the organization rebuilt momentum and strengthened its foundation for long-term sustainability.

DBF also announces the retirement of Denise Auger, Director of Programming, who began as a volunteer in 2007 and helped shape the festival’s literary voice for nearly two decades. Auger’s dedication to authors, readers, and community partnerships has been central to DBF’s identity and continued success.

Known for its engaging programming and meaningful author conversations, DBF is a cultural fixture in the Atlanta area. The 2025 festival welcomed nearly 20,000 attendees, featuring 145 authors and moderators across 65 sessions, alongside more than 100 exhibitors and 350 volunteers.

Held annually in Decatur, Georgia, DBF brings world-renowned writers and readers together. The 2026 festival will take place October 2-3, with programming and additional details announced in the coming months. Beyond the festival weekend, DBF engages a growing digital audience of more than 50,000 followers and subscribers and generated about 250,000 social media impressions during the 2025 event.

“At its heart, the Decatur Book Festival is about the community coming together to share stories and ideas,” said Yarbrough. “I am honored to steward DBF forward and continue creating welcoming spaces where readers and writers of all ages can gather, spark curiosity, and explore new perspectives.”

About Decatur Book Festival

The Decatur Book Festival has grown into one of the most beloved independent book festivals in the country, bringing together literary enthusiasts for an inclusive celebration of books and ideas every fall in Atlanta’s eastside gem of Decatur, Georgia. The 2026 Festival will take place on October 2-3, featuring award-winning and best-selling national, regional, and local authors, book signings, cooking demonstrations, and children’s programs that are free and open to the public. For more information and to learn about job opportunities, please visit decaturbookfestival.com. 

As a nonprofit organization, DBF welcomes financial and in-kind supporters at every level. For sponsorship and partnership inquiries, please contact bailee@decaturbookfestival.com.