Stark Library Director Elected Chair of Ohio Library Council Board
Today, the Ohio Library Council's Board of Directors held its first meeting of the new year and is pleased to announce that Mary Ellen Icaza, CEO and executive director of Stark County District Library, will serve as Chair of its Board of Directors.
“Mary Ellen is passionate about advocacy and funding for public libraries,” said Michelle Francis, executive director of the Ohio Library Council. “She’s taking the helm at a time when many of our libraries are facing serious budget cuts due to the drop in state funding. The nearly $29 million cut to the Public Library Fund is having a devastating impact at a time when costs are rapidly rising, patron usage is increasing and the demand for services is growing and expanding. We know that Mary Ellen will be instrumental as we continue to fight for funding in the next state budget.”
Stacey Russell, executive director of the Muskingum County Library System, is Chair-Elect and Travis Bautz, director of the MidPointe Library System, was elected Secretary-Treasurer. All officers will serve one-year terms.
The board also welcomed newly elected members:
• Monica Baughman, Director of Support Services, Worthington Libraries
• Kim DeNero-Ackroyd, Deputy Director, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library
• Elizabeth Muether, Director/Fiscal Officer, Mercer County District Library
• Bernie Rochford, Trustee, Akron-Summit County Public Library
• William Rutger, Director, Avon Lake Public Library
Returning board members for 2025 include:
• Kathy Bach, Public Services Director, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
• Julianne Bedel, Executive Director, Medina County District Library
• Sarah Clevidence, Director, Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
• Robert Jenkins, Trustee, Bossard Memorial Library of Gallia County
• Sandra Hedlund Tunnell, Trustee, Ashland Public Library
Comments
Post a Comment