The Urban Libraries Council is an innovation and action tank of North America's leading public library systems. As the President and CEO of ULC, I work to strengthen and advance the essential role of public libraries as dynamic places for innovation, equity and opportunity. Libraries are the key civic anchor institutions that drive our communities forward, and I work to advance the core vision that urban libraries are critical resources for transforming lives and strengthening communities. The best ideas rise in our great urban places and percolate upwards to inform the national and global conversation. I help facilitate the dialogue between library leaders, city/county leaders, business leaders, philanthropic leaders, and engaged community members. As a servant leader, I work to build effective teams; engage members, partners, and the public; and leverage thought leadership to effect positive change in the world. Throughout my career, I have published reports and articles on innovative solutions that lead to vibrant and successful places. My primary research interests center on the need to support and bolster democratic institutions, the role libraries play in the age of AI, the importance of third spaces in urban communities, and the economic impact of investing in local entrepreneurs to spur city innovation. My thoughts have been read, heard, and seen on MSNBC, NBC's TODAY Show, the Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CNN, NPR, BBC, and the New York Times. I have also contributed writing to Fast Company, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, US News, and Fortune.Prior to my time at ULC, I was the Senior Executive and Director of the Center for City Solutions at the National League of Cities, where I led the organization's research agenda, oversaw technical assistance efforts, and directed NLC's leadership programming. Throughout my career my abiding goal has been to create better, more equitable places for people.