Briefly describe the importance of public libraries.

Public libraries exist in a free society to enable citizens uncensored access to any and all available information without regard to an individual’s personal circumstances.

Describe your background and what you bring to the board.

A lifelong reader, I majored in journalism as an undergraduate at SMU. I added a marketing graduate degree from Murray State University and then an MBA from U of I to my formal education. During a 25-year career in health administration, I had the opportunity to manage up to 1200 employees and budgets of up to $100 million. I got to build buildings, recruit physicians, create PRO Ambulance, speak publicly about the nature of healthcare, and generally get involved in every aspect of running a 24/7/365 life affirming business. I also taught health administration at the U of I for fifteen years. Those experiences have helped me make sound decisions regarding our new library building, our operating budget, our strategic visioning, and our operating policies from a broad, community perspective.

Tell us a little bit about your family, pets, etc.

My husband is a retired banker and an active community volunteer. My son has just completed a master’s in clinical psychology in Atlanta and leaves for a second degree in York, England, this fall with the goal of opening his own sports psychology practice. First, he will be his younger sister’s maid of honor at her wedding this August. She and son-in-law-to-be are both completing college work at Parkland.

What have you read, watched, or listened to lately?

I just read a couple of Seth Godin’s books on marketing: The Dip and Meatball Sundae. I am currently reading science writer Mary Roach’s Stiff and Bill Strickland’s Making the Impossible Possible. I listen to all the U of I sports broadcasts, from baseball through volleyball to football and basketball -- men’s and women’s. As time allows, I am watching the 25th anniversary release of selected Perry Mason episodes.