By Nancy Silberkleit
From the Classroom to the Boardroom Fifteen years ago, my days were dedicated as a longtime elementary school art teacher, helping engage young minds through creativity and personal expression. My husband, Michael Silberkleit, was the proud chairman and publisher of one of America’s most iconic and beloved international comic brands: Archie Comics. Never in the farthest reaches of my imagination would I envision myself taking his seat in the boardroom … but that’s exactly what happened. In 2008, Michael passed away unexpectedly, and I was faced with the choice – a choice I saw at the time as unfathomable! Michael’s 50 percent of the two-family-operated Archie Comics share were left to me to preserve. However, there was a force that somewhat demanded that I sell. It was now my decision whether to assume Michael’s role or to sell his half to the company’s other family. Well, that did not happen and suddenly I blazed a path to make what I thought would be my first foray into business. Navigating an unexpected career change At first, I thought, what on Earth would an elementary school teacher be doing co-leading a company like Archie? I talked it over with my friends, family, and myself. Friends thought I would be eaten alive by wolves. For some reason, I did not see wolves. I just saw that beloved orangehaired, freckled-face Archie Andrews, and stories filled with love, humor, and poignant messages. On March 28, 2009, I said yes, signed my name on the dottedline, and became co-CEO of Archie Comics. Looking back, I can say I was signing a document that would eternally change myself – the self whose heart Michael Silberkleit knew. Michael always called me “his lady in overalls.” What else would an art teacher wear?
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thought of all the children I taught over the years. If I were leading a company like Archie, how could I use my position to continue to help students reach their goals? Much to some people’s surprise – and perhaps, chagrin – I decided to trade in my teacher shoes and step right into the big professional shoes Michael left me to fill.
Nancy Silberkleit, Co-CEO of Archie Comics
Today, I can easily make a connection between classroom teacher and co-CEO. I realized that all of my collective experience as a schoolteacher prepared me very well, in fact, to transfer my skills. Teachers constantly multitask, lead groups, serve as advocates, engage dialog, and advance minds – just like a CEO of a company does. Let’s not forget, educators often navigate very difficult political terrain. I am in a family business!
As my role developed, I fast became the spokesperson on the educational side of Archie Comics. I participate regularly in library and school events around the world to help students, teachers, librarians, and parents understand the value of comic books. It was during my educational visits I coined the phrase: Comic Books + Children = Reading. Comics are a fantastic tool for gaining a love of reading. Students relate to characters, which opens them to express their feelings and concerns. I help parents understand that comic books guide young people toward gaining skills – like archiving and investment – through the power of collecting. Comic books also assist readers who may be learning a second language. Comic books are a complex literary read.
My entry into The more I the company delved into this was not smooth business, I came and some people to appreciate were confused the characters about why I in comic books. would make this They are easy decision. Why for readers to didn’t I just take identify with, and the money? Well, representation money doesn’t Nancy Silberkleit cated a new character in the Archie is so important. I equate to comics. Her name is Scarlet Saltee, who is of Filipino-Irish decided to create integrity. I took descent, loves architecture, and also is Autistic. a character Michael’s place in named Scarlet Saltee, who is of Filipinoorder to ensure that the integrity of what Irish descent, loves architecture, and also is he built was maintained. I quickly became a Autistic. Scarlet has become a cast member strong advocate for literacy promotion. who helps facilitate dialog around diversity, inclusion, and anti-bullying. So far, we Continuing to educate have four issues starring Scarlet, featured As an art teacher, I’d been in the business alongside Archie’s most famous characters, of educating minds for 25 years. I already like Betty, Veronica, Jughead, and, of understood the value of graphics as a tool course, Archie himself! for literacy and personal expression and
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