As the Program Manager and Executive Assistant to the COO, Anneke Oppewal (she/her) leverages her extensive experience in education and a passion for literacy to drive program development and impact at Book Harvest.

Since joining in October 2023, Anneke has excelled in a program management role, managing the delivery of our signature Books on Break program in Durham, coordinating logistics, providing technical support to partners, and recruiting and training volunteers. Drawing on her eight years as a middle school Spanish teacher, where she honed her skills in curriculum development and classroom management -- and was honored as Orange County Schools' Teacher of the Year in 2020! -- Anneke now develops detailed project plans, manages budgets, and tracks deliverables for various Book Harvest programs.

Anneke's ability to build strong relationships with school districts and other stakeholders is essential for her work with community organizations and partners at Book Harvest. She works closely with our Chief Operating Officer, and her exceptional planning skills and system-thinking abilities position her fantastically to ensure an organization that operates smoothly and efficiently.

Outside of work, Anneke loves to spend time with her partner, family, and friends. She loves being outside, especially when paddleboarding, running, working in a local community garden, and hiking. Her favorite children’s books are The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and Biblioburro by Jeanette Winter.