Tom Grady, who has spent 15 years as CEO and publisher of Ave Maria Press, retired from the role on Sept. 11.

After joining Ave Maria as publisher and CEO in 2005, Grady also took on the role of editorial director for several years, during which he helped increase the number of titles released from 30 to 40 annually. Grady’s career in publishing also includes running his own literary agency and serving as publisher, editorial director, and editor at HarperSanFrancisco (now HarperOne) from 1986 to 1997. He was also an editor at both Winston-Seabury Press and Meadowbrook Press. Earlier this year, Grady received the Association of Catholic Publishers 2020 Hall of Fame Award for his contributions to Catholic publishing.

Karey Circosta, who succeeds Grady, cited his “outstanding leadership and vision” in a statement. She added: “He is a compassionate and insightful leader who has made everyone at Ave better for working with him. He will be greatly missed.”