Missoula, MT (02/19/2026) – Vault has announced a promotion and four new hires.
Der-shing Helmer, previously Executive Editor at Vault, has been promoted to Vice President, Special Projects and Crowdfunding, to lead a newly created Special Projects and Crowdfunding Department. In her new role, Helmer will oversee a broad portfolio of special projects to be announced in the coming months. Helmer joined Vault in 2022 as Managing Editor, and has been instrumental in major successes like Post Malone’s BIG RIG, Dungeon Crawler Carl: Crocodile, and the recently launched AETHON: Vault line of novels.
“It has been a dream come true to bring comics to life in my role as an editor at Vault,” said Helmer. “I am so grateful to the creative collaborators and readers I’ve gotten to work with so far. I’m bringing my passion for storytelling into the crowdfunding space, so keep an eye out!”
Chris Byer joins Vault’s Special Projects and Crowdfunding Department as Crowdfunding Director. Byer will oversee strategy, planning, and execution across Vault’s slate of crowdfunding projects. Byer is new to book publishing. He brings over fifteen years of experience in tabletop games, with a strong background in crowdfunding and creative project development. He has worked alongside creators and publishers to help bring ambitious, fan-driven projects to life. Byer will report to Der-shing Helmer.
“I’m thrilled to be joining this team,” said Byer. “I’m eager for the opportunity to bring my experience into an entirely new publishing category to help deliver wins for some of the amazing projects Vault has coming.”
Madison Bickford joins Vault’s Sales and Marketing Department as Sales Coordinator. Bickford will work with Vault’s Sales and Marketing team, creators, and external partners to organize, plan, and track sales and marketing efforts across the Vault catalog. Bickford is new to publishing. Previously she worked at the U.S. Naval Institute as the Prospect and Database Coordinator, and brings a wealth of experience in data and campaign management. Bickford will report to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, David Dissanayake.
“With an educational background in aeronautics and professional experience in database management, I am thrilled to apply this analytical foundation in a creative industry centered around bold ideas and compelling storytelling.”
Rachel Pinnelas joins Vault’s Editorial Department as Editor. Pinnelas is an experienced comics editor and writer with credits at Marvel and DC Comics, who began her professional career as a Marvel intern while studying architecture. In addition to her work in comics, Pinnelas helps curate public exhibitions, most recently contributing to the current comics-based shows at the Skirball Cultural Center. Pinnelas will report to Vault co-founder, Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief, Adrian Wassel.
“I am beyond excited to join Vault and help bring the best of genre storytelling in comics to readers!” Said Pinnelas. “It’s a dream job to work with this incredible team that is committed to delivering excellence, and I’m looking forward to reaching new audiences and levels of success together.”
AJ Shannon joins Vault’s Editorial Department as Assistant Editor. Recently an Editorial Intern at Marvel, Shannon previously worked in academic publishing at W. W. Norton & Company. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in English and geology. Shannon will report to Adrian Wassel.
“Comics have always been my favorite medium, and I have been a fan of Vault for years,” said Shannon. “I’m excited to join the team that has published some of my favorite books, to work on their catalog that reflects diverse perspectives and inspires readers.”
“People are the best part of my job,” said Vault CEO, Damian Wassel. “I’m grateful to be able to welcome four new colleagues, and eager to see what we can accomplish together. I’m similarly grateful to have the strong support of our majority owner, Aethon Books, as we continue to strive for more audacious goals.”
Vault is a critically acclaimed entertainment company that curates bold new science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories. We have been committed to working with historically underrepresented talent since day one. Purpose-built to create enduring fans, our expansive catalog of more than ninety original titles attracts a diverse and growing fandom. Launching new stories first as comics and graphic novels, Vault has partnered with leading companies like A&E, BET, Boatrocker, Confluential, CBS, Netflix, Paramount, and others, to adapt its story properties to film, television, video games, and more. In 2024 Vault launched Headshell, a line of graphic novels in collaboration with some of the world’s most iconic recording artists like Metallica, Def Leppard, the Beach Boys, Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, Redman, Slash, and more. In 2025 Vault will launch a new story universe created by Post Malone, developed together with Michael Bay and Brad Fuller’s Platinum Dunes. In addition to comic books and graphic novels, in 2024 Vault launched a broad publishing program to publish hit LitRPG and Progression Fantasy novels in the Light Novel format. In 2025 Vault will begin publishing prose novels. Vault titles are distributed everywhere through Simon & Schuster. Press inquiries should be sent to: press@vaultcomics.com. Learn more at http://www.vaultcomics.com
