(April 21, 2025) — The board of the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) announced today that Kayla Young is the museum’s new executive director. 

 

"Her energy, connections, passion, and vision are exactly what the center needs as we map out our ambitious plans for the NCCIL's next chapter,” said James Wiser, NCCIL Board Chair. “I can't wait to see what her leadership will do to elevate our national profile and ensure Abilene's place as the Storybook Capital of America.”

 

The idea of the NCCIL sparked first in December 1993 when former Abilene mayor Dr. Gary McCaleb was invited to a local elementary school to read William Joyce’s Santa Calls, a story set in Abilene. In 1997, the NCCIL was established. 

 

“Kayla’s leadership and vision for the NCCIL’s future is one rooted in her personal mission: making art and literacy accessible for all,” said Dr. Gary McCaleb. “I am proud of her conviction and honored that she will continue the NCCIL’s story.”

 

Locally, the NCCIL is a hub of creativity. To date, the NCCIL has organized more than 75 art exhibitions and reached almost a quarter of a million people in Abilene and nationwide with free programming. Free.

 

Every child and family continues access to fine art experiences at no charge.

 

Nationally, the NCCIL engages and collaborates with award-winning and bestselling authors. After an artist’s work is exhibited at the NCCIL, the art embarks on a nationwide tour, reaching museums, public libraries, and galleries. It all starts at the NCCIL in Abilene, Texas.

 

“Kayla is passionate about children’s literature but the thing that impressed me the most about her was her hunger to learn and her curiosity,” said children’s author and illustrator, Loren Long. “She engaged me in conversation about my work and children’s publishing and how she could best serve the NCCIL and the children of Abilene. She was inspiring.”

 

A proud Abilene native, Young, 28, grew up attending NCCIL camps and still treasures her first signed book from more than 20 years ago. 

 

Young holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Hardin-Simmons University. Young loves exploring Abilene with her husband, Drew, and son, Barrett. 

 

She is currently a member of the inaugural class of Nonprofit Leadership Academy, a leadership program of the Community Foundation of Abilene for nonprofit executives. 

 

She has spent years volunteering with local nonprofits, including the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council. Since 2016, Young has been involved with the Children’s Art and Literacy Festival through event planning, volunteer coordination, acting, and programming with the NCCIL. 

 

Former NCCIL Executive Director Molly Bellah stepped down in October. Young began as the NCCIL’s Development Director in 2022. After Bellah, Young served as interim executive director.