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Anita O'Keeffe Torres appointed Fullerton library director; trustees vote 5-0
Summary
Fullerton trustees unanimously approved an employment agreement for Anita O'Keeffe Torres to become the library director, with a March 23 start date and a $175,000 base salary. HR interim director Laura Mercer Giannetti outlined the recruitment and key contract terms at the February 26 meeting.
Fullerton trustees voted unanimously Feb. 26 to approve the employment agreement that names Anita O'Keeffe Torres as the Fullerton Public Library director, effective March 23.
Laura Mercer Giannetti, the city's HR interim director, told the board the hire followed a nationwide search managed by Cooperative Personnel Services and that O'Keeffe Torres emerged as the top candidate based on a thorough assessment. Giannetti summarized the agreement's key provisions: a $175,000 annual base salary; health insurance consistent with other executives; $100 per pay period into a retire/health savings account in lieu of retirement benefits; a $224 per pay period vehicle allowance; accrual of 160 hours of vacation annually with an initial bank of 80 hours (no cash value); and six months' severance if separated without cause.
"After a thorough assessment, Miss O'Keeffe Torres came out as the top candidate," Giannetti said, noting O'Keeffe Torres's municipal library experience in Pomona, Burbank and Carlsbad and her master's degree from USC and bachelor's degree from California State University, Northridge.
At the vote, the board recorded five yes votes. The motion to add the appointment as an emergency agenda item and the subsequent motion to approve the employment agreement passed without opposition.
Anita O'Keeffe Torres addressed the trustees and attendees after the vote, thanking staff and volunteers. "I love libraries and this is a lifetime passion for me," she said, pledging to work with staff and the community during the transition.
The board welcomed O'Keeffe Torres and noted that city staff, foundation members and former trustees attended the meeting to greet the incoming director. No public opposition to the hire was recorded during the meeting's public-comment period.
The employment contract will take effect March 23; trustees and staff said they will introduce O'Keeffe Torres more broadly to the community at upcoming events and meetings.
