Heather Cousin Mlis, Mpa Email & Phone Number

Leading a great team to provide library services to this diverse South Bay community of over 140,000. Through six neighborhood locations, we proudly deliver an ever evolving menu of community centered programs, collections, and resources with the help and support of our colleagues in Community Services and throughout the City. We've launched Sensory Storytime and related services for community members who are neurodiverse, updated our technology to expand access to collections… Show more Leading a great team to provide library services to this diverse South Bay community of over 140,000. Through six neighborhood locations, we proudly deliver an ever evolving menu of community centered programs, collections, and resources with the help and support of our colleagues in Community Services and throughout the City. We've launched Sensory Storytime and related services for community members who are neurodiverse, updated our technology to expand access to collections, increased our programming and outreach, and created warmer and more welcoming spaces by refreshing our interiors. Show less

Glendale, California, United States

I served a dynamic, 40-member Board of Library Directors, and four other cooperatives from northern California to the southern and eastern boarders. Leading a team of four remote staff, our primary role was to ensure all State grant requirements were met, provide delivery services, and provide high value, on-demand programming for Cooperative member libraries.Beginning this role during a time of transition, I oversaw the implementation a strategic plan for one cooperative, assisted in… Show more I served a dynamic, 40-member Board of Library Directors, and four other cooperatives from northern California to the southern and eastern boarders. Leading a team of four remote staff, our primary role was to ensure all State grant requirements were met, provide delivery services, and provide high value, on-demand programming for Cooperative member libraries.Beginning this role during a time of transition, I oversaw the implementation a strategic plan for one cooperative, assisted in the negotiation and ultimate settlement of the pension liability for another, and worked extensively on staff development. Show less

Thousand Oaks

Leading the Thousand Oaks Library, as a team, we changed our service model from inward to outward facing. With an emphasis on service, we engaged the community of 124,000, through a staff led survey that resulted in not just a new strategic plan but a new service model. The outputs were:We hosted over 1,100 in-Library events a yearEstablished an elementary literacy program, Read TO Succeed, in collaboration with Conejo Unified School District bringing struggling 3rd grade readers… Show more Leading the Thousand Oaks Library, as a team, we changed our service model from inward to outward facing. With an emphasis on service, we engaged the community of 124,000, through a staff led survey that resulted in not just a new strategic plan but a new service model. The outputs were:We hosted over 1,100 in-Library events a yearEstablished an elementary literacy program, Read TO Succeed, in collaboration with Conejo Unified School District bringing struggling 3rd grade readers up to and beyond grade level Partnered with Cal Lutheran University, the Safe Passages program, Conejo Recreation and Park District, Conejo Valley Unified School District and other valued partners to provide opportunitiesfor children, teens, and adults to be engaged, informed, and inspiredRefined and refreshed our collections ensuring they were not just appealing but inclusive How did we do it?Creating a culture of continuous improvementCommunity driven collection development, programming and servicesAlways ensuring everyone feels safe, secure, and valuedThanks to partners across the City, we enjoyed a 96% satisfaction rating on the Community Opinion Survey (2020) Show less

Libraries provide Education, Enrichment and Enlightenment opportunities for all.In my time in Simi Valley we:Launched City run library services after separating from the Ventura County SystemCreated a dynamic and vibrant community oriented LibraryBrought unique opportunities to the community including concerts, speakers, robotics and coding for kidsRefined and expanded the collections, including a comprehensive ebook selectionProvided outstanding service to the… Show more Libraries provide Education, Enrichment and Enlightenment opportunities for all.In my time in Simi Valley we:Launched City run library services after separating from the Ventura County SystemCreated a dynamic and vibrant community oriented LibraryBrought unique opportunities to the community including concerts, speakers, robotics and coding for kidsRefined and expanded the collections, including a comprehensive ebook selectionProvided outstanding service to the communityThis would not have been possible without:Hiring a great staff with outstanding customer service skills and offering extensive training and professional development opportunitiesCreating a culture where anything was possible when the mission is to Educate, Enrich and EnlightenIn our first year of operating as a city library, we:Doubled number of visitsIncreased programming from one to up to 20 programs for children, teens and adults per weekReceived three LSTA grants:Providing Library service at domestic violence sheltersProviding legal research materials for the public and staff trainingProviding Makerspace tools and programming for children, teens and adults Show less

Moorpark, California, United States

Rancho Cucamonga, California, United States

Recruited to provide creative, innovative, and high-quality Children’s Services in high demand, customer service, focused new library while leading the Children’s Services team of 4 FTE. Created and executed programming schedule including multiple children’s programs and outreach events per day.Created partnerships with other City agencies to provide exceptional experiences. Reaching out to every department, created theater tours, guest speaker series, and community special… Show more Recruited to provide creative, innovative, and high-quality Children’s Services in high demand, customer service, focused new library while leading the Children’s Services team of 4 FTE. Created and executed programming schedule including multiple children’s programs and outreach events per day.Created partnerships with other City agencies to provide exceptional experiences. Reaching out to every department, created theater tours, guest speaker series, and community special events.Continually adapted programs and services to changing conditions and community demand focused on core services. Encouraged experimentation by team leading to the first Lucasfilm sanctioned Star Wars Day Show less

Master Of Public Administration - Mpa, Public Administration

Master Of Library & Information Science (M.L.I.S.), Library And Information Science

Elementary Education And Teaching

Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Bachelor'S Degree, Political Science And Government

Activities and Societies: Pi Sigma Alpha; Honors Program