Press Kit

Mark Brumley is the president and CEO of Ignatius Press and a popular speaker, author, and teacher. He is the author of several works, including The Seven Deadly Sins of Apologetics, Catholic Social Teaching: 20 Answers, and A Study Guide to Jesus of Nazareth. His articles have appeared in such publications as Catholic World Report, America, National Review Online, National Catholic Register, and Catholic Answers Magazine. He is formerly the director of communications and social ministry for the Diocese of San Diego, and a speaker and writer for Catholic Answers.

Mark Brumley has served or serves on many boards, including the University of St. Thomas Houston, Adler-Aquinas Institute of Liberal Studies, the Augustine Institute, the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology in Berkeley, Kolbe Academy Homeschool, the Napa Institute, and Trinity Grammar and Prep. He holds a master’s degree in theological studies from the University of Dallas and a bachelor’s degree in education-history from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. A former Catholic school teacher, Mark lives in Napa with his wife Debbie. In 2005, Mark received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award from the Vatican.

Dr. Ben Akers is an associate professor of theology and previously served as the assistant dean of the Augustine Institute Graduate School of Theology. He is also the chief content officer of the Augustine Institute’s FORMED.org streaming platform, which provides trustworthy and inspiring Catholic video, audio, and ebook content from the Augustine Institute, Ignatius Press, and more than one hundred other partners.

Previously, Dr. Akers served as the director of the Denver Catholic Biblical and Catechetical Schools and was an adjunct for St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. His experience living and studying in the heart of the Catholic Church in Rome inspired him to teach theology in a way that integrates history, art, literature, and spirituality.