The 2015 ComicsPRO Annual Membership Meeting attendance was up 21% over attendance last year despite the change in venue (see "2015 ComicsPRO Meeting Set").  Peter Dolan, owner of Main Street Comics in Middletown, NY was elected President, replacing Thomas Gaul.  "There’s a lot of energy in the comics market now," said Dolan.  "And that was reflected in so many new members at our meeting.  I was especially impressed with the growing number of women-owned shops."

In addition to electing a new president, the retailer trade organization elected two new board members, awarded two new Industry Appreciation Awards, and promoted a new Executive Director.

New board members include Jamye Foster, Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Southern Mississippi and co-owner of Southern Fried Comics in Hattiesburg, MS and Christopher Brady, owner of 4 Color Fantasies in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Joe Field, owner of Flying Colors Comics in Concord, CA was also re-elected.  ComicsPRO director Gary Dills resigned late last year and is being investigated for embezzlement (see "ComicsPRO Ex-Director Identified").

Marco Davanzo, owner of Alakazam Comics in Irvine, CA, was promoted by the board of directors to ComicsPRO Executive Director; he will handle day-to-day operations for the organization.

Bill Schanes and Joe Kubert were honored with ComicsPRO Industry Appreciation awards.  Schanes, a retailer in a previous life, is the former Diamond Comics Vice President-Purchasing (who recently joined Cryptozoic Entertainment as Vice President, see "Schanes Joins Cryptozoic as VP").  Comic artist and writer Kubert is a member of both the Eisner Awards and Harvey Awards Halls of Fame and founder of The Kubert School (see "RIP Joe Kubert").