HarperCollins Christian Publishing has hired Kathy Armistead to be associate publisher of study resources at the umbrella organization for the Thomas Nelson and Zondervan publishing groups. Nashville-based Armistead joins HarperCollins from Abingdon Press, where she spent 14 years and was most recently the lead editor for Bible, leadership and theology. She will report to John Kramp when he starts his new job as senior vice president Oct. 1. In her new role, Armistead will analyze and evaluate new product ideas and ensure biblical accuracy and doctrinal soundness for both Thomas Nelson and Zondervan titles. She will fill the seat long held by vice president and associate publisher Frank Couch, who will retire soon after 27 years with the company.