Experience

Pierce County Library System

• United States
• Libraries
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Deputy Director of Public Services

  • Sep 2021 - Present

  As one of two Deputy Directors at the fourth-largest library system in Washington State, I oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of public services for 19 locations. I'm excited to put my administrative experience to work with the Executive team as we work on board relations, policies, district funding strategies, relationships with local governments, and strategic planning. I also get to work with a team of passionate and knowledgeable department directors in the Customer Experience and Collection Management Departments. Focusing on planning, project management, staff development, and service delivery; I strive to bring my authentic self to every moment. Show less



University of Washington Information School

• United States
• Higher Education
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Guest Faculty

  • Oct 2022 - Nov 2022

  As Guest Faculty, delivered online course, Management of Information Organizations LS 580 A to iSchool graduate students. Introduction to internal and external management issues and practices in information organizations, including critical assessment of institutional structures. Internal issues include organizational behavior, organizational theory, talent management, budgeting, service and operational planning, decision making and evaluation. External issues include organizational environments, advocacy, strategic planning, communication, and funding sources. Show less



Association of Rural and Small Libraries

• Panelist - Public Speaker

  • Sep 2022 - Sep 2022

  Up to the Challenge: Facing Censorship Head-On - Panel Discussion As cases of censorship in schools make national headlines, they might feel far away. But these challenges, frequently targeting materials and programming with LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC representation, are happening in our rural and small libraries across the country. From soft censorship to formal challenges, how can we be prepared when we need to defend intellectual freedom within our own libraries? You’ll hear from panelists who have faced these challenges head-on: a librarian, a parent and community organizer, and authors who have had their own books challenged. You’ll leave feeling prepared and energized to advocate for your collection and your community! Speakers Whitney Kimball Coe(Speaker)Center for Rural Strategies, Vice President of National Programs Connie Behe(Speaker)PCLS Aisha Saeed(Speaker)Author Show less



University of Washington

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Panelist - Public Speaker

  • Sep 2022 - Sep 2022

  Intellectual freedom is one of the core values of the library profession as it promotes access to information and guides the defense against censorship. In effort to highlight the ongoing and evolving nature of the intellectual freedoms dialog, the Information School is hosting this panel discussion open to all who would like to attend. During the panel, we will explore the nature of the evolution as well as its personal, professional, cultural, and societal impacts, including those firsthand experiences of our panelists within the chaotic nature of the debate. Connie Behe, Deputy Director of Public Services, Pierce County Library System April M. Dawkins, Assistant Professor, Library and Information Science, The University of North Carolina Greensboro Emily Knox, Associate Professor, The iSchool at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Craig Seasholes, Teacher-Librarian (retired), Seattle Public Schools Show less



ImagineIF Libraries

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Exexcutive Director

  • Aug 2018 - Sep 2021

  Executive Director of a mid-size public library system with 4 locations in Flathead County, Montana. Worked with Library Board, County Commissioners, the Library Foundation, municipalities, and staff to provide equitable library services to a community with many opposing viewpoints. Became adept at understanding revenue streams, the responsibilities and obligations of a tax-funded entity, and how to authentically provide services for the entire community.Led staff to plan and implement innovative customer-focused services on a shoestring budget. Using sound visioning, project management, and evaluation practices we created surprising and joyful experiences that engaged and encouraged readers and learners of all ages. Show less

• Assistant Director

  • Jan 2009 - Aug 2018

  As the Assistant Director at ImagineIF Libraries is Flathead County, MT, responsible for strategic planning, data and evaluation, project management, leadership development, and community engagement. Worked with team to introduce EDI-specific training to the staff development plan.