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Congratulations to Des Moines Public Library

Congratulations to Des Moines Public Library upon selecting Melissa McCollum as their Library Director! Melissa’s Library and Parks and Recreation leadership roles span over twenty years and several diverse communities in southern California. Dedicated to reinforcing the role of libraries as community hubs for information, learning, belonging, and innovation, she has served as Library Director…
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Congratulations to Utica Public Library (NY)

We would like to congratulate Nathan Jochum, who has been selected to be the next Director at Utica Public Library in New York. Previously, Nathan was the Director at the Perry County Public Library in Tell City, Indiana since 2022. He also served as the Public Library Director At-Large on the ILF (Indiana Library Federation)…
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Congratulations to Metropolitan Library System (OK)

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,…
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Congratulations to Haverford Township Free Library

Congratulations to Haverford Township Free Library upon hiring Maryanne Olson as their new Executive Director! Maryanne worked with the Queens Public Library since 2015 in a number of roles including Community Library Manager (of the Ridgewood branch since 2022), Assistant Community Library Manager, and Children’s Librarian. During the 2020 pandemic she chaired the Virtual Children’s…
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Congratulations to Sacramento Public Library

Congratulations to Sacramento Public Library upon selecting Selwa Shamy as their Deputy Director/Chief Public Services Officer! With a 20-year career spanning just about every aspect of public librarianship, Selwa has been on an eclectic and multifaceted professional journey. Selwa started their career at Brooklyn Public Library in social science reference. They moved on to children’s…
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Congratulations to the Virginia Library Association

Congratulations to the Virginia Library Association (VLA) and Dr. Jennifer Brown, who is the organization’s new Executive Director. Jennifer Brown, PhD, is a library leader, educator, and advocate for equitable access to library services. She comes to the role having served most recently as Director of the Augusta County Library system. There, she oversaw strategic…
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Congratulations to Richland Library

Congratulations to Richland Library (SC) upon selecting Tamara King as the new Executive Director!  Tamara most recently served at Richland Library’s Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, where she led strategic initiatives in community engagement, inclusion, and public relations. She is the creator of Richland Library’s nationally recognized Let’s Talk Race initiative, which has engaged over…
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Congratulations to Elkhart Public Library

Congratulations to Elkhart Pulbic Library upon selecting Kristen Edson as the new Executive Director! Kristen is a dynamic library executive with extensive experience in strategic planning, government management, capital improvements, and operational leadership. She previously served as the Library Director for Livonia Public Library (MI). Kristen is known for her expertise in community partnership development, capital…
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Saying Goodbye to Cover Letters

We’ve eliminated cover letters from our hiring process—here’s why we think that’s a good thing for candidates and hiring teams alike. The art of interviewing has changed. At BMA, building an authentic and equitable hiring process—one that prioritizes real people, modern tools, and meaningful work—is key to our success. We take time to connect with…
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Congratulations to Jackson Hinds Library System

The Jackson Hinds Library System welcomes Jeanne Williams back to her home state of Mississippi as the Executive Director for the system.  Jeanne most recently served as Public and Tribal Library Consultant for the Washington State Library before essentially creating a new library system from scratch at the Central Skagit (WA) Public Library District –…
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