We extend our warmest congratulations to Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma, as they have selected Ashley Welke to become their first Chief of Staff. Ashley previously served as Assistant Director at the Oklahoma Department of Libraries, overseeing the Services to Libraries Division and the Public Information Office. In her role, she partnered with library directors, state agencies, and community partners statewide to strengthen operations, enhance communications, and advance strategic initiatives across Oklahoma’s public library network. Prior to that position, Ashley served as Director of Community Engagement and Learning for the Pioneer Library System, leading systemwide work in programming, outreach, and collection development. A graduate of the Public Library Association Leadership Academy and current participant in the Oklahoma Library Association Gold Leadership Program, Ashley has presented at the state and national levels on leadership, planning, and partnership development. She holds a Master’s in Library and Information Studies from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor’s in Anthropology from the University of California, San Diego. We wish Ashley and Metro Library System the very best!
