Co-CEO, Archie Comics Publications,

Nancy Silberkleit, daughter-in-law of Louis H. Silberkleit, one of the founders of Archie Comics Publications, stepped into her role as the Co-CEO of the company in 2009 with the vision that the comic book, as a graphic novel, is a valuable tool for developing literacy among first-time readers and instilling love for reading in everyone.  As a former public school educator, homemaker and mother, Nancy knows the importance of learning to read and has coined a personal motto that “Children + Comic Books = Reading, Knowledge ,Confidence and Creativity” 

Co-founded by Louis Silberkleit and John L. Goldwater in 1942, the Archie Comics line of comic books is one of the most successful, longest-running brands in the history of the comic industry. The American publishing company has sold more than 5.1 billion comics in a dozen different foreign languages all over the world. Archie Comics has spawned characters whose popularity has spilled over into other media and who have become part of popular culture.

In her current role, Nancy furthers her agenda on the need comic books in classrooms and libraries with the fervent belief that comic books can be used to engage a variety of learners, while promoting literacy and foster love of reading. As someone who has taught art for over 20 years, she has seen the power of comics in encouraging literacy and creativity in children. Nancy believes that comics teach children about storytelling and exploring their artistic abilities through illustration. It is a natural progression for children, as a bridge to reading from the picture books of their younger years. She also  sees the visual image and comics books as an academic resource for communication in today's world.

In addition to her role at Archie Comic Publications in which she heads up education and theater, Nancy has established her own non-profit foundation ‘Rise Above Social Issues Foundation Inc.’ that addresses challenging social issues, such as childhood obesity and other chronic medical conditions, as well as bullying, discrimination and environmental concerns through comic books. Her next steps include  the emphasizing of the use of the comic book in working with educators in the establishment of after-school tutoring programs, the development of lesson plans, and, of course, more comic book fairs across America to engage children in this format of literacy.