We’ve experienced a lot of change at Orange County Library System over the past two years. The pandemic forced us to rethink what it meant to be a library, how we serve our community and how to remain relevant during an unprecedented time. Now, we’re looking at a change in leadership for our organization, following the retirement of longtime Library Director/CEO Mary Anne Hodel in January.
Before Mary Anne retired, our Board of Trustees appointed me to take on the role of Interim Director/CEO while the search for a permanent director continues, and I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. For the past four years, I have been the library’s Chief Operating Officer, and I’ve worked closely with Mary Anne and the library’s Administration to ensure that we’re living up to our mission to add to the quality of life in our community by creating a learning environment that fosters personal growth and development for all. Some of the areas I’ve been lucky enough to oversee over the past four years include the Melrose Center, the library’s Books by MAYL home delivery service, collection development, Questline call center, website, and overall usage statistics for the system.
Before I took on the role of COO, I served as the library’s Facilities and Operations Department Head for more than six years, during which time I had the privilege of working to expand our reach in the community by opening the Melrose Center, Chickasaw Branch, relocating our Hiawassee Branch, and expanding the North Orange Branch parking lot. My goal was always to bring customers the best library experience possible. In my new role, I plan to continue focusing on that goal.
Mary Anne has guided us through some challenging times over the past 20 years, and her leadership has been an inspiration for all of us here at OCLS. I look forward to continuing on the path of integrity and excellence that she has blazed for us, and building upon the foundation of innovation and creativity that has always been a hallmark of our brand.
