Library Board Members

Chair, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: March 2015

Why did you join the Library Board?

"I strongly support the role our public library plays in our community. I am on the Board of Kitchener Public Library because I want to help ensure that the library continues to play that integral role, especially in bringing a wide range of literature, knowledge, technology, and entertainment to anyone who wants it."

Current or former employment or occupation:

• Business Systems Analyst

Other professional or community involvement:

• Former graduate student in English literature (Master of Arts - 2014)
• Editor in Chief of Ottawa Arts Review literary publication (2010 - 2012)
• Volunteer Reading Buddy at Kitchener Public Library (Central)

Trustee, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: January 2023

Why did you join the Library Board?

As a community institution, the KPL is on the cutting-edge of advancing the dual goals of justice and prosperity in communities across Kitchener. From empowering individuals to think in new and creative ways to promoting a sense of belonging for all, I want to support the library to continue to provide leadership on fostering resilient and vibrant communities.

Current or former employment or occupation:

• Health equity and system strategist

Other professional or community involvement:

• Founder, Level Up (a social justice and civic action group for tweens)
• Co-Convenor, Psychosocial and Spiritual Supports Working Group
• Member, WRDSB Parent Involvement Committee
• Member, Central Frederick Neighbourhood Association

2nd Vice-Chair, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board Member since: January 2023

Why did you join the Library Board?

"I have always had an affiliation with a library from a young age and it has been an important part of my life.  As a proponent of lifelong learning and literacy, the library plays a vital role in our community, and I am excited to be a part of the Board."

 Current or former employment or occupation:

Senior Manager - Cash Management, Scotiabank Commercial Banking

Other professional or community involvement:

Professional:                               

• CPA Ontario, Chartered Professional Accountant
• Dalhousie University, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Institute of Canadian Bankers, Personal Financial Planner (PFP)
• Canadian Securities Institute, Canadian Securities Course (CSC)
• Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of Business Administration(BBA)

Community Involvement:

• Vice-President, KW Horticultural Society
• Global Ambassador, Wilfrid Laurier University
• Insight Circle Member, Dalhousie University

Past Community Involvement:

• Volunteer, Kitchener Downtown Community Centre
• Volunteer, Waterloo Adult Recreation Centre
• Judge, Rotary Camp Enterprise
• President, KWBWA

Is there anything else relevant to your position on the Library Board?

"I worked at my high school library during my teens, and am an avid reader."

Public Service and Policy Committee Chair, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: January 2023

Why did you join the Library Board? 

"Libraries play a central role in communities and the Kitchener Public Library is no exception. I am giving back as a member of the KPL Board to ensure the library can continue to do its vital work in our community."

Current or former employment or occupation:

• Managing Director, Chronic Pain Network, McMaster University
• Lecturer, Lazaridis School of Business & Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

Other professional or community involvement: 

• Past-President, Grand River Hospital Volunteer Association
• Director, Grand River Hospital Foundation
• Vice-Chair, Downtown Kitchener Action & Advisory Committee

Trustee, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: January 2023

Why did you join the Library Board?

"A library is more than just bookshelves and banks of computers, it’s a place for people to connect, discover, and dream.  In many cases it’s the heart of the community and we are very fortunate to have such a big, beautiful heart!  I am very excited to be a member on this board!"

Current or former employment or occupation: 

• Ward 4 City Councillor, Kitchener
• Director of Development, YW Kitchener-Waterloo

Facilities Planning and Building Committee Chair, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: December 2018

Why did you join the Library Board?

"By serving on the Board I want to help foster a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive library system for Kitchener because I believe public libraries are essential to community inclusion, health, and wellbeing."

Current or former employment or occupation:

• Community Services Director at House of Friendship

Other professional or community involvement:

• Served on the Hamilton Public Library Board

Trustee, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: September 2023

Why did you join the Library Board? 

"The Kitchener Public Library is an institution that empowers our neighbours with the knowledge they need to build a sustainable, prosperous, and exciting future for our community; my goal on the board is to help the KPL team engage all our strengths to meet that obligation."

Current or former employment or occupation: 

Sustainable transportation operator and advocate

Other professional or community involvement: 

• Former President, Community CarShare
• Other previous roles include being an electric vehicle advocate, transit customer service advisor, new mobility entrepreneur, expedition chaperone in the Arctic/Antarctic, world record-holding solar race car team member, University of Waterloo graduate, youth delegate to global climate negotiations, and neighbourhood association executive.

Trustee, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: January 2023

Why did you join the Library Board? 

"Learning is a core value of mine and the KPL offers so many amazing resources for learning and knowledge; I am thrilled to be able to support the success of this incredible institution!"

Current or former employment or occupation: 

"I have a 25+ year career in Human Resources and Strategy development, working in a variety of industries including insurance, health care, and public safety. Presently I am the VP of Talent & Culture at CWB Group."

Other professional or community involvement: 

• Member of the Board of Directors at Waterloo Region Crime Stoppers, and Chair the Strategic Planning and Membership Committees.

Anything else that is relevant to your position on the Library Board?

I am valued for my strong business acumen, passion for continuous improvement, and cross-functional approach to the organizations with which I work. 

My educational background includes:

• MBA from Ivey Business School, Western University
• MA from Wilfrid Laurier University
• Human Resources Diploma from Conestoga College  
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Designation
• Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) Designation

I enjoy cooking for the family & playing squash.

Trustee, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: January 2023

Why did you join the Library Board?

"Strong libraries are at the centre of healthy, vibrant communities. KPL’s reputation as an innovative, equity driven, creative and unique place that pushes the boundaries of ‘traditional’ libraries is an organization I wanted to be a part of. I am thrilled to be on the KPL Board, and look forward to getting great things done with this Team!"

Current or former employment or occupation: 

• Ward 8 City Councillor, Kitchener
• Business Developer – Co-operative Education, University of Waterloo
• Former Kitchener Trustee, Waterloo Region District School Board
• Lover of Libraries!

Trustee, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: January 2023

Why did you join the Library Board?

It is a pleasure and an honour to support KPL’s delivery of innovative programs, and help shape the future of public library services along with community stakeholders in a rapidly transforming digital society.

Current or former employment or occupation:

• Design Research Lead of Software Consultancy
• Founder of a SaaS Platform
• Former Graphic Designer / Digital Producer

Other professional or community involvement:

• Classically trained musician
• Published information science researcher
• City of Kitchener's Arts and Culture Advisory Committee

Anything else that is relevant to your position on the Library Board?

• Passionate about digital transformation within the not-for-profit, arts and culture sectors
• Interest in fostering meaningful exchange between citizens and technologists

1st First Vice-Chair, Finance Committee Chair, Kitchener Public Library Board

Library Board member since: December 2018

Why did you join the Library Board?

"I believe in the influence of a library towards a strong and thriving community. I believe that Kitchener Public Library provides so much to our city in the form of education, resources, access to services and a sense of community."

Current or former employment or occupation:

• Director of Corporate Supports, Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health

Other professional or community involvement:

• Leadership Waterloo Graduate, 2018