Kevin Bendle Named Executive Director of Seminary Co-op Bookstores

Sep 02, 2025

The Seminary Co-op board of directors has named Kevin Bendle as the new executive director of Chicago’s Seminary Co-op Bookstores. He succeeds Daniel Y. Mayer, who has served as interim executive director since July 2024 following the departure of Jeff Deutsch.

Bendle has 24 years of experience in bookselling and managing bookstores, primarily with a series of Barnes & Noble University bookstores. He previously served as manager of the University of Chicago B&N in Hyde Park and at the Gleacher Center. 

“I am excited to join the Seminary Co-op Bookstores team, and am humbled to steward these cultural institutions,” said Bandle in a statement.

“We look forward to his leadership ensuring that the Seminary Co-op and 57th Street Books will continue to serve our communities for another 65 years,” added Katie Parsons, Seminary Co-op board chair.

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