Chris Fischbach ’94 named Publisher of Coffee House Press

Minneapolis—Chris Fischbach ’94 has been named publisher of Coffee House Press, succeeding Allan Kornblum, the press’s founder and current publisher.

Fischbach joined the Coffee House Staff in 1995, after receiving his BA from Carleton College, where he studied English/American Literature and Latin. He has served as co-chair of the Minneapolis Arts Commission and as Assistant Director of the Twin Cities Book Festival. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Hennepin County Library Foundation. During his 16 years at Coffee House, Fischbach has acquired and worked with a long list of writers, including Sam Savage, Kao Kalia Yang, Rikki Ducornet, Laird Hunt, Brian Evenson, Kate Bernheimer, Patricia Smith, Gilbert Sorrentino, and Norah Labiner.

Fischbach’s appointment culminates a two-year transition process, funded by the Bush Foundation and initiated by Kornblum. “The board is also very pleased that Allan will be staying with the press as Senior Editor and Founder,” said Wilson. “Allan has created and led an innovative and mission-driven press for nearly three decades and his continued involvement and leadership will only add to the future success of Chris and Coffee House Press. The continued team of Chris and Allan ensures that the legacy of Coffee House continues while facing a challenging and exciting tomorrow.”  

“It is with great humility that I step into the role of Publisher at Coffee House Press,” said Fischbach. “To have been chosen as caretaker of Allan’s publishing legacy is a great honor, and I look forward to working with our incredibly talented staff and dedicated board of directors to build on his legacy and to lead us into an even greater future. For the past 16 years, I have had the privilege to work with some of the best authors in America, striving to connect them with the audiences we believe they deserve. Under my tenure, Coffee House Press authors will continue to shape the future of American literature, taking strength from our many different cultures and ways of telling stories.”

“During my 27 years as Publisher at Coffee House, I have had the honor of working with incredibly gifted authors, who trusted me to present their work to the world. I have also treasured the working relationship I have had with Chris, from his very first year as an editorial assistant. This transition, this handoff to a new generation of leadership, is our way of keeping the trust we have developed with our writers and our readers. I look forward to working with Chris in my new role as Senior Editor and Founder, and to watching the continuing evolution of literature and publishing.” 

 “On behalf of the board of Coffee House Press, I am excited to welcome Chris Fischbach as our new publisher,” said Stu Wilson, chair of Coffee House Press’s board of directors and executive director of the Hennepin County Library Foundation. “Chris began his career as an intern with the press and has served the organization for more than 15 years, most recently as Associate Publisher.  He is extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of Coffee House’s operations, as well as the nonprofit publishing industry.  I am confident that Chris will provide strong leadership and new, dynamic directions for Coffee House’s future.”