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Trustees outline CEO search, multiple retirements and efforts to boost diversity in branch management
Summary
Board members reviewed a multi-stage search for a new CEO, announced several retirements and resignations across branches, and discussed using national recruitment channels and state diversity efforts to improve representation in management roles.
The St. Mary’s County Board of Library Trustees outlined plans to complete a second-stage search for a new system CEO and discussed several staff departures and hiring needs across branches.
Michael Dunn, who described the hiring timeline, said the search progressed to final-stage interviews beginning Aug. 25: “the candidates we selected will meet with library directors, the Smurllis management staff, and then events then following that with the board itself,” and the trustees planned to meet the following day to discuss finalists with the goal of filling the vacancy by the end of the month.
Trustees reviewed named departures and promotions: Deborah Haviland (IT specialist) is leaving to spend more time with family; Jennifer Kavanaugh (28-hour adult services librarian, Lexington Park) resigned to start a family; Jeanette Edwards (adult services, Charlotte Hall) announced retirement after about 20 years; and Mary Lee Russell, branch manager at Leonardtown for 46–47 years, plans to retire effective Jan. 1. Several internal reassignments and hires were reported: A.M. Dillon moved from assistant branch manager for circulation to branch manager at Charlotte Hall; Katie Kolenda moved from a 28-hour role at Charlotte Hall to full-time at Lexington Park; and new hires were announced for various part-time and full-time adult-services posts.
The board also discussed workforce diversity and recruitment. Trustee Janice Walthour urged creative outreach to recruit people of color into branch management roles, calling it “an opportunity now” to address underrepresentation. Michael Dunn said positions will be advertised nationally, posted on library lists and a national service that draws applicants outside the library community, and that the system is considering equity, diversity and inclusion guidance when hiring.
Trustees said salary levels are a barrier to attracting candidates from urban areas and encouraged raising the topic with county commissioners; the board was scheduled to present to the commissioners the week after the meeting, with virtual invitations extended to trustees.
Ending: The board will continue the CEO search in late August, post senior vacancies nationally, pursue internal hires where appropriate and raise recruitment and salary concerns with county leadership.
