Lawrence Alexander

Publisher, Polebridge Press

Larry Alexander is responsible for acquiring new books for Polebridge Press and overseeing the publishing process. He spent 35 years in publishing before joining Westar in 2009, most recently as Vice President & Publisher of the Business Division at John Wiley & Sons, based in Hoboken, New Jersey. He has a B.A. from Baylor University and a J.D. from Baylor Law School.

Alisha Beck

Membership and Accounts Manager

Alisha Beck is Membership and Accounts Manager at Westar Institute. Her responsibilities include managing the membership and customer accounts for Westar Institute and Polebridge Press, as well as supporting a variety of company activities, such as fundraising and Jesus Seminar on the Road events. She joined Westar in January 2013.

Cassandra Farrin

Associate Publisher/Director of Marketing

Cassandra Farrin joined Westar in 2010 and currently serves as Associate Publisher and Director of Marketing. She copyedits manuscripts for Polebridge, along with general editorial and production support, and in May 2013 took over marketing and web management for Polebridge and Westar. A US-UK Fulbright Scholar, she has an M.A. in Religious Studies from Lancaster University (England) and a B.A. in Religious Studies from Willamette University.

David Galston

David Galston is a University Chaplain and Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. He is the author of two books, Archives and the Event of God (McGill-Queens Press, 2010) and Embracing the Human Jesus (Polebridge Press, 2012). He holds a B.A. from the University of Winnipeg, a M.Div. from Vancouver School of Theology, and a Ph.D. from McGill University. As Academic Director David works cooperatively with Westar seminars, helps recruit scholars, participates in conference planning, and assists the development of on-line education.

Bill Lehto

Operations Director

Bill Lehto manages the staffing and day-to-day operations of Westar Institute and Polebridge Press. He has a master’s degree in nonprofit administration from Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park, California, and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley.

Char Matejovsky

Managing Editor

Char Matejovsky is Managing Editor for books and journals at Polebridge Press and Westar Institute. A veteran editor, typesetter, and book designer, she earned a B.A from the University of Montana and a French Language Certificate from the Sorbonne. In 1981, she founded Polebridge Press with Robert W. Funk and in 1986 she assisted with the creation of the Westar Institute. She is the author of Stones & Bones (2007), a child’s guide to evolution.

Lane C. McGaughy

Interim Director

Lane C. McGaughy is the Geo. H. Atkinson Professor of Religious and Ethical Studies emeritus at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He is the author of two books on New Testament Greek and numerous scholarly articles in academic journals and anthologies. He is the former Chairman of the Boards of Directors of Westar Institute and Polebridge Press, and is also an ordained United Methodist minister. He holds an A.B. from Ohio Wesleyan University, a B.D. from Drew Theological Seminary, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.
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Robaire Ream

Art Director/Production Manager

Robaire Ream manages graphic design and production for a wide range of materials, including Polebridge Press books and audio-visual materials, The Fourth R, Forum, meeting promotions, mailers, and anything else that needs a creative touch. He has more than 30 years of graphic design and production experience, with a diverse graphic design résumé that includes work as a stained glass window designer, art instructor, and prop and background designer for Warner Bros. Animation. His illustration talents can be seen in Stones and Bones (2007), a children’s book about evolution. He has a graphic arts certificate from Ecole Sornas, France, and studied graphic design at California State University Northridge.