MODERATOR

Susan Hildreth
Library Consultant
Former Director, Institute of Museum and Library Services (2011-2015)
@SusanHHildreth

Susan Hildreth is a library consultant in Walnut Creek, CA. She serves on the Contra Costa County Library Commission. She served as ALA Treasurer and was a fellow with the Aspen Institute’s Future of Public Libraries. She was the Distinguished Practitioner in Residence at the University of Washington iSchool and led the Institute of Museum and Library Services from 2011 through 2015. Hildreth held leadership positions including California State Librarian and City Librarian for the Seattle and San Francisco Public Libraries. She has a BA from Syracuse University, an MLS from University of Albany and an MBA from Rutgers University.

CO-DISCUSSANTS

Melanie Huggins
Executive Director Richland Library, South Carolina
@accessfreely

Melanie Huggins is the executive director of Richland Library in Columbia, SC, which received the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor. Richland Library has also received 2020 and 2021 rankings in the State of SC as a “Top Place to Work.” Melanie has received recognition from several local and state entities. Her work is influenced by her belief that libraries are uniquely positioned to make communities more livable, resilient, and inclusive – which she champions through human-centered design and an EDI & SJ lens. She is a recognized leader and global speaker in the library profession having held trustee positions with both the Urban Libraries Council and the Public Library Association and is the immediate past president for PLA. She is a Liberty Fellow, member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network and an alumna of Furman University’s Riley Diversity Leaders Institute. Melanie has served as past Board Chair of Together SC; past President of the University of South Carolina’s University Associates Board and former Board member of City Center Partnership.

Pilar Martinez
Chief Executive Officer
Edmonton Public Library
Alberta, Canada
@EPLdotCA

Pilar Martinez is the Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning Edmonton Public Library, where she is responsible for leading 650 staff and managing a $69M operating budget. She has championed numerous innovative services, including community-led and digital initiatives, such as 3-D printing. Pilar has a broad base of experience in executive leadership including advocacy, strategic planning and change leadership. She is passionate about the difference public libraries make and is highly engaged within the community, serving on several boards in Canada and the United States.

Erin Silva
Board Member, Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL)
Youth & Teen Services Librarian, North Liberty Library, Iowa
@NLibertyLibrary| @RuralLibAssoc

Erin Silva is the Youth& Teen services librarian at the North Liberty Library in Iowa City. Her job allows her to incorporate her passion for advocacy and inclusivity for kids and teens from all walks of life. She wears many hats at her library and currently serves on the board of the Association of Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) as the Midwest Representative.

Felton Thomas, Jr.
Executive Director/CEO
Cleveland Public Library
@Cleveland_PL

Felton Thomas, Jr. has served as Executive Director of Cleveland Public Library (CPL) since January, 2009. As Director of Cleveland Public Library, Thomas has launched initiatives aimed at addressing community needs in the areas of access to technology, education, and economic development. Director Thomas’ awards and accomplishments include being named a “Mover and Shaker” by the Library Journal and being named a White House Champion of Change for Making in 2016. Nationally, in 2015, Felton was elected as President-Elect of the Public Library Association (PLA), served as President in 2016. Felton is currently the Vice Chair of the Digital Public Library of America. He also serves as a trustee on the boards of FRONT International, University Circle Inc., Cleveland Museum of Art and United Way of Greater Cleveland.

Felton lives in Shaker Heights with his wife and has two college-aged daughters. He is an accomplished musician and has become a devoted Cleveland sports fan since his arrival on the shores of Lake Erie.

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