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John LaVacca
Sr. Acquisitions Editor - STEM Mathematics and Physics at Wiley
Professional Background
John LaVacca has made significant strides in the publishing industry since beginning his career in March 2010. As the Senior Acquisitions Editor of Physics at Wiley, he is responsible for the development and management of highly esteemed titles, including the renowned "Halliday, Physics" and "Cutnell, Physics". In his current role, LaVacca leverages his extensive marketing experience and industry knowledge to cultivate educational resources that meet the needs of students and educators alike.
Prior to his current position, LaVacca excelled as the Marketing Manager overseeing departments such as Mathematics, Statistics, Intermediate Accounting, and Finance at Wiley. His leadership skills flourished during this time as he successfully launched and re-branded several franchise products. For example, he played a pivotal role in the introduction of the "Introduction to Statistical Investigations" program in spring 2016, which exceeded its sales goals within its first year on the market. Moreover, LaVacca was instrumental in launching the Second Edition of Lock5, Statistics, which quickly gained traction and is emerging as a leader in its segment of the educational market.
Accomplishments at Wiley
During his tenure as the Marketing Manager at Wiley, LaVacca achieved impressive growth metrics for WileyPLUS, a key digital platform. Over a three-year period, he successfully grew WileyPLUS by 4.4%, with notable contributions in two successive years resulting in $1.9 million in growth in 2017 and $167,246.93 in 2018. These accomplishments are a testament to his strategic marketing initiatives and his ability to connect with educational professionals to enhance their teaching and learning experiences.
Early Career
LaVacca began his publishing career at Pearson Education, where he started as a Marketing Assistant for the Freshman English Composition list. His tenacity and dedication quickly propelled him upward to the role of Sales Representative. While at Pearson, he met and exceeded multiple sales targets, including achieving an impressive 239% increase in student digital registrations in his territory in 2013, along with achieving 96% of his full-year revenue goal. This strong foundation in marketing and sales has undoubtedly contributed to his successful career trajectory in the publishing industry.
Education and Achievements
John LaVacca holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Southern Connecticut State University, an education that equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the business of publishing. His academic background, combined with hands-on experience in the industry, allows him to understand both market dynamics and the educational landscape, making him a valuable asset to any organization he is part of.
LaVacca has also enriched his skill set through various professional roles, including serving as a Customer Service Representative at TD Bank and a Financial Representative Intern at Northwestern Mutual. Each of these positions has further honed his communication and analytical skills, both of which are paramount in the fast-paced publishing sector.
Contributions to Organizations
In addition to his roles at Wiley and Pearson, LaVacca has actively engaged in various professional organizations that contribute to educational publishing. His current responsibilities as Senior Acquisitions Editor involve collaborating with other editors, authors, and stakeholders to ensure the ongoing success of academic publications in the fields of STEM Mathematics and Physics.
John LaVacca’s career is characterized by a commitment to excellence and a passion for educational improvement. His contributions to the industry reflect his deep understanding of the needs of students and educators in the STEM fields.
Tags
- Wiley
- Acquisitions Editor
- Educational Publishing
- Marketing Management
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Statistics
- Digital Education
- Pearson Education
- Publishing Career
- Sales Strategies
- Student Engagement
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Marketing
- Professional Development
- Education Technology
Questions
- How has John LaVacca’s background in marketing influenced his approach as a Senior Acquisitions Editor at Wiley?
- What strategies did John LaVacca implement to achieve a 239% increase in student digital registrations while at Pearson Education?
- How does John LaVacca envision the future of educational publishing, particularly in STEM fields?
- Can John LaVacca share specific insights on the impact of digital education resources on student learning outcomes?
- What challenges and opportunities has John LaVacca faced in launching new educational products in his career?
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