After a brief period of retirement- after 45 years-good Lord!- of nonprofit management Pleased to be selected as the director of the Island Free Island, Block Island, R.I. A new and exciting opportunity after 16 years as Director of Otis Library Norwich CT. Looking forward to new challenges that will benefit the commonweal. A few Otis highlights: Successfully guided our institution through a building program that doubled its size. We built a sustainable framework for Otis based on collaboration, innovation, and profound respect for the virtue of perseverance! Particularly interested in working with and in struggling communities that need strong advocates for their public libraries. Successfully implemented a "one desk" service model and reallocation of public spaces. Introduced new staff position dedicated to working with the growing immigrant population, sponsoring citizenship classes and naturalization ceremonies. Initiated outreach programs to serve audiences at both ends of the age spectrum and a new staff position focused on technology and social media. The recipient in 2016 of the National Medal for Museum and Library Services, 2019 Southeastern CT. Cultural Coalition Outstanding Arts and Cultural Organization, 2019 Rotary Community Diversity Award for promoting understanding and community conversations among Norwich's diverse communities. 2023 NAACP Norwich Branch, Robertsine Duncan Memorial Award. Awarded for outstanding leadership, commitment, and dedication to the Greater Norwich area community and youth. Specialties: Negotiations, advocacy, staff empowerment, fundraising, leadership, planning, advocating for and implementing change. Strengths: Perseverance, patience, determination. Credo: What does not kill you makes you stronger if you learn from the experience! Skilled at working with a broad range of constituents and personalities. Encouraging team members to realize their full potential. Adept at tying bow ties-never wear a clip-on!
Listed skills include Public Libraries, Library, Library Science, Public Speaking, and 45 others.