NEO-RLS Announcements

Meet the NEW NEO-RLS Board Members for 2021-2022
Every year there are open seats on the NEO-RLS Board of Trustees.  The 15 member Board consists of two representatives from each of our four library zones (Zone 1 – our largest libraries with revenue of $4M and up; Zone 2 – libraries with revenue of $1.5M - $3,999,999; Zone 3 – libraries with revenue of $8K - $1,499.999; and Zone 4 – our smallest libraries with revenue of Up to $799,999).  In addition, we have representatives for Academic libraries, Special libraries, School libraries and Geographic (non-dues-paying members) libraries as well as At-Large seats. 
 
The availability of open seats rotates on an annual basis.  We always welcome nominations from our members when there is an open seat in your category or Zone.   This year voting representatives elected Trustees to represent Academic libraries, Zone 2, 3, and 4 libraries. 
 
Please join me in congratulating our newest Board members!
  
Melanie McGurr is the Associate Dean for Technical Services at the University of Akron. Melanie will be representing the academic libraries in our region.  Melanie previously worked in management positions at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, The Ohio State University, and Urbana University.  She has served on committee and interest groups for ALA and has been a planning committee member for the Academic Library Association of Ohio and the Ohio Valley Group of Technical Services Librarians.  Melanie was previously appointed to the NEO-RLS Board of Trustees to fill a vacancy and will remain on the Board as an elected member through June 30, 2024.
 
Eric Taggart is the Director of Rodman Public Library.  Eric will be representing the Zone 2 libraries in our region.  Eric has worked in public libraries for 26 years, previously serving as the Director of the Loudonville Public Library and at the Coshocton Public Library.  Eric has served as a member of the OLC Convention & Expo Program Committee, the OLC Government Relations Committee and the SEO Advisory Committee.  He also leads a 20-member directors’ group.  Eric’s term will end on June 30, 2024. 


Joy Walk is the Director of the Ritter Public Library.  Joy will be representing the Zone 3 libraries in our region.  She previously worked at the Ritter Public Library in a variety of roles before leaving and then returning in 2018 as Acting Library Director.  Joy has benefitted from the mentoring and opportunities afforded her and has been an active participant in NEO-RLS programming.  She is looking to help others grow in their library careers.  Joy’s term will end on June 30, 2024.
 
Mariana Branch is the Director of the Kingsville Public Library.  Mariana will be representing the Zone 4 libraries in our region.  She is a member of the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, has served on the United Way of Ashtabula County Board and is a graduate of LEADERship Ashtabula County where she has served on the History & Heritage Day committee since 2012.  Mariana’s term will end on June 30, 2024.
 
Board members represent you!  Please feel free to reach out to them with ideas and suggestions.