OLA 2022 Elections Candidate Information


Welcome to the Oregon Library Association's election website.

Instructions:
1. The VP/President-elect position for 2021-22 is currently vacant due to a resignation. The recruitment of two candidates for two positions (2021-22 and 2022-23) was challenging. While OLA makes every effort to present two candidates for elected positions, the circumstances of this year made that difficult after weeks of recruitment effort. Rather than delay the election further, the OLA Board agreed to move forward with a single candidate for the 2022-23 Vice President/President-elect position. 
2. Scroll down to read about the candidates for each office: President, Vice-President/President-Elect, Secretary, and American Library Association (ALA) Representative.
3. Use the link at the bottom of this candidate information page (also sent to you by e-mail) to vote.
4. Vote by midnight, June 14, 2022.
5. Thank all these excellent candidates for running for office!

President 2022-23

 . Star Khan

Name/Current Position and Library:
Star Khan - Outreach Services Coordinator, Driftwood Public Library: October 3, 2013-Present

College and Post-Graduate Education (school, degree):

  •  University of Phoenix, BS in Education
     - Certifications in foundational math, biology, elementary education, social studies and language arts
  • University of Phoenix, MAED Curriculum & Instruction

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

  • Member, 2016-present
  • Conference Presenter 2017, 2018, 2019
  • Conference Buddy, 2019
  • Conference Moderator, 2021
  • LIOLA mentor, 2021
  • Member-at-Large, 2019-2020
  • Secretary, 2021-present
  • REFORMA Oregon:
    - Scholarship Chair, 2016-2018     
    - Secretary, 2017-2018
    - Vice President, 2018-2019
    - President,  2019-2020
    - Mock Pura Belpré Selection Committee, 2017-2020
  • Library Development & Legislation Committee, 2019-present
  • Libros for Oregon:
    - Advisory Council, 2016-2018
    - Outreach, Traveler & Vendor Support, 2018-present
    - REFORMA Oregon and OLA Board Liaison, 2021-present

Other Professional Involvement:

  • ALSC Equity Fellow, 2018-2019
  • ALSC Public Awareness Committee 2019-2020
  • REFORMA Capítulo de Puerto Rico Asamblea Anual Presenter, 2018
  • OASL Conference Presenter, 2019
  • REFORMA National Conference Co-Chair, 2022

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

  • I am Conscientious: I’m responsible, detail oriented and well organized.  I break large tasks down into reachable goals in order to complete them in a timely manner.  I also am a good listener with the ability to quickly analyze and prioritize important tasks/information, but also critically reflect on any feedback or comments I receive, even if it is negative.
  • I am Equitable:  I believe that every person, every voice, and every struggle matters.  I also strongly believe that equity should be at the core of every library whether it be in making sure library resources are accessible to all community members or in-house, making sure that all staff have access to safe, accepting work environments or opportunities for professional advancement and growth.  EVERYONE matters. 
  • I am Compassionate: I feel strongly for those who are underrepresented or unheard, which in turn drives my passion for advocacy.  I truly believe that a person’s ability to empathize with others is a key factor in creating effective change.
  • I have Integrity    :  I am honest, open and hardworking.  Most importantly, though, I am kind.  One of my favorite quotes is: “Be kind to unkind people because they need it the most”.  A little bit of kindness goes a long way and it is something that guides my work with the public and with my colleagues.  
  • I am Resilient: There have been very few things in my life that have pushed me past my limits like working in libraries has.  But as hard as it was to deal with, the issues that I have faced have helped me become stronger, I’ve learned to “look for the lesson” in each negative experience, and I’ve learned to adapt and recover much more quickly than I used to.  Most importantly, though, I learned to remain calm and take whatever is thrown my way with grace.  I believe these skills are important in a successful leader as they will help me stay grounded while guiding others through the stressful and tumultuous times that are sure to come.

Statement of “Why I would like to work in this OLA position”:
I believe in the good that we, the library community, can do together.  The work has already begun and it is vital that we keep up the momentum. As a leader, I will continue to push the movement towards more equitable, diverse, inclusive and anti-racist libraries for all patrons and staff.  A good leader is also constantly learning from their peers and while you all have already taught me so much, I’ve still got so much to learn!  I’m excited for the opportunity for continued growth    The work we do is special and it makes a difference.  That speaks to me the most.  All I want to do is be meaningful and make an impact.  Serving in this position will allow me to do just that.   

I also really want to give back to OLA This organization has been an important avenue of support during my library career, providing me with professional development and collaboration opportunities, as well as a huge network of smart, passionate and dedicated colleagues to lean on.  We learn from each other, we support each other through difficult times and we encourage each other to keep moving forward.  But most importantly for me, as a person of color, OLA provides a safe space for me to be my most authentic and diverse self.  That in itself is invaluable. 

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/_G9QWzAcsKQ

 

President 2022-23

  Haley Lagasse

Name/Current Position and Library:
Haley Lagasse / Director of Library Services, North Bend Public Library

College and Post-Graduate Education (school, degree):

  •  Arkansas State University, Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies, 2008

  •  University of Alabama, Master of Library and Information Studies, 2011 

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

  •  Public Library Division Board, Member at Large, 2019-2021

  •  Public Library Division Board, Vice Chair, 2021-2022  

Other Professional Involvement:

  •  ALA and PLA Member, 2008-0resent

  •  Arkansas Library Association Member, 2008-2018

  •  Arkansas Library Association Nominating Committee, 2015-2016

  •  United Way of Southwestern Oregon Board Member & Treasurer, 2019-present

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:
  •  Good at listening

  •  Consensus builder

  •  Persistent

  •  Patient

  •  Considerate

Statement of “Why I would like to work in this OLA position”:
Our library association needs a member to step up and take on a leadership role, outside of our regular process. I want to give back to this organization which has helped me find my place and success in the Oregon library community. I believe that the breadth of my experience and the inclusive approach I take to library service prepare me for a leadership role in OLA. I feel ready to do the work that those who served before me started and to encourage our membership to stretch, strengthen and sustain themselves as library workers through advocacy, continuing education, support in difficult times and dialogue about the issues that are most important to our communities.


Video Link:  https://youtu.be/vsQSmm8o0LQ

 

Vice President/President Elect 2022-23

   Brittany Young

Name/Current Position and Library:
Brittany Young, Law Librarian/Program Supervisor at Lane County Law Library

 

College and Post-Graduate Education (school, degree):

  •  San Jose State University, Master of Library and Information Science, 2015

  •  Oregon State University, Bachelor of Science in Apparel Design, 2009
     Minors, New Media Communications and Merchandising Management

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

  •  Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism Committee, 2021-22 

Other Professional Involvement:

  •  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Blue Mountain Community College, 2019-2021
    - Secretary, September 2019 - July 2020
    - Co-chair, August 2020 - July 2021

  •  Blue Mountain Community College Strategic Planning Committee, 2019-2021

  •  Makerspace Committee, Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, 2016-2019
    - Harris Branch Makerspace Lead

  • Northern Indiana Children's Services Round Table, 2015-2019

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

  •  Empathetic

  •  Collaborator

  •  Equity-minded

  •  Patient

  •  Jovial

Statement of “Why I would like to work in this OLA position”:
I would like to win this race because it is an opportunity for me to make a difference in the larger Oregon library world, especially regarding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism work. I believe doing DEI work in libraries will serve all of us better and ensure libraries are remain the heart of our communities by being safe, welcoming places.

I will strive to identify accessibility and equity issues, learn and unlearn where I need to, and disseminate and apply new knowledge to help the work of OLA and Oregon libraries.

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/Rj24vIVctTo

 

 
Secretary 2022-23

  Max Robinson

Name/Current Position/Library:

  • Max H. Robinson, Library Consulting Assistant, State Library of Oregon

    Emporia State University - Graduate Student
    Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education - Guest Services Associate

College and Post-Graduate Education (school, degree):

  •  Emporia State University - MLS Candidate (Graduating, Summer 2022)

  • Eastern Connecticut State University - BS in Communication

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

 

  •  OLA Support Staff Division - Current State Library Liaison

  •  OLA Virtual Conference - Moderator & Technical Assistant in 2021

  • OLA Membership Committee - Volunteer in 2021 

  •  OLA Member - Summer of 2020 to Present

Other Professional Involvement:

  •  Professional Development Workgroup at the State Library of Oregon - Member

  •  Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workgroup at the State Library of Oregon - Member

  •  REFORMA National Conference 2021 - Volunteer

  •  Western Copyright Alliance - Member

  •  Oregon Public Broadcasting - Volunteer

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

  •  Organized - Maintains strong digital and paper records
  •  Responsible - Punctual attendance and reliable work completion rate
  •  Creative - Discovers innovative solutions to challenging situations
  •   Adaptable - Quickly adjusts to new situations, software, and interactions
  •  Thoughtful - Provides insightful feedback, encouraging collaboration and celebrating individual successes

Statement of “Why I would like to work in this OLA position”:

I am seeking election to the position of OLA Secretary to support our state library association with the primary responsibility of comprehensively maintaining notes and records of all OLA executive meeting minutes. I am eager to act and respond in the best interests of Oregon library staff with my voting privileges on the Executive Board. As Secretary, I will seek out networking opportunities, establishing library connections every time I enter a library, bookstore, conference, or virtual opportunity, reminding my fellow Oregon library colleagues of the exceptional opportunities available to them through OLA membership. Please consider voting for me this year.

 

 

 Secretary 2022-23

  Adrienne Doman Calkins

Name/Current Position and Library:
Adrienne Doman Calkins / Library Manager at Sherwood Public Library, a member library of Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS), 2014-present. 

College and Post-Grad Education (school, degree)

  •  San Jose State University, MLS, 2013

  •  Oregon College of Arts & Crafts, Certificate in Book Arts, 2003

  • University of Oregon, BA in Fine Arts, 1999

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

  •  OLA EDIA podcast interviewee, April 29, 2022, for 2nd installment of the new podcast, OVERDUE: Weeding Out Oppression in Libraries

  •  Conference presenter on Staff Training Round Table panel at OLA Conference, 2021, Building Staff EDI Competence

  •  Public Library Standards Committee member, June 2018-February 2020

  • Co-author of OLA Quarterly article, Figuring Out Where to Start, and How: One Library's DEI Strategies, October 1, 2019

  • Resume review / mentoring for new transitioning library workers, 2015-2019

Other Professional Involvement:

  •  Profiled Library for Edge, issued by Urban Libraries Council, January 2019.  

  •  WCCLS Policy Group chair, 2020

  • Senior Circulation Supervisor at Olympia branch of Timberland Regional Library (Wa.), 2004-2014 TRL Leadership Development Program 2014-2015

  • Member of the WebJunction Washington Advisory Team 2013-2014.

  • Conference presenter, Hands On: Frontline Library Advocacy at Washington Library Employees conference, 2013.

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

  •  Experienced--30 years in public, academic, and speciality libraries (including lots of meetings, minutes, and administrative processes with bylaws, public meeting laws, and protocols)

  •  Knowledgeable--Strong attention to detail, savvy with the tools needed for the job, experienced with records management and professional writing, and a fast typist, too.

  •  Team player--Process-oriented, EQ and communication skills, project management and organizational skills, and collaborative style.

  •  Equity-driven--Demonstrates commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. See https://www.sherwoodoregon.gov/library/DEI

  •  Passionate--I believe in the power of libraries to change lives for the better--including for those of us who work in libraries. I want library workers to have the tools, resources, and support needed to meet our own potential with grace and self-care. Sometimes that means quick and easy access to well-documented minutes so one can get on wit the rest of the important work of library services.

Statement of "Why I would like to work in this OLA position":
It would be an honor to contribute to the success of Oregon libraries as Secretary for the Oregon Library Association. I’ve worked in Oregon libraries for 20 out of my 30 years of working in libraries and love to see how we are evolving and strengthening as libraries together. I am excited for the opportunity to contribute to OLA even more by serving on the Executive Board, and to do so at this particular juncture in time when OLA and the Oregon library community is choosing to lean in to difficult and important conversations to move the whole state forward. 

 

 

American Library Association (ALA) Representative 2022-25

  Jennifer McKenzie

Name/Current Position and Library: 

Ms. Jennifer McKenzie, K12 District Teacher Librarian, Siuslaw School District 97J
Curriculum Vitae: here!   

College and Post-Grad Education (school, degree)

●     Fulbright Scholar (Teachers for Global Classrooms), 2021-present.

●     Masters In Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Candidate: Education, Technology & Women’s Studies/Gender Studies, Southern Oregon University, May 2022 (My research emphasis is using technology to amplify marginalized voices in educational and library spaces).

●     Library Media Specialist Endorsement, Portland State University, Summer 2016.

●     B.S. in English Education, Minnesota State University Moorhead, May 2003.

●     B.A. in English / Literature, Minnesota State University Moorhead, May 2003.

●     United States Army Medical Service Corps Officer: Operations, Training & Logistics, Captain, 1998-2012. (Military degrees: Patient Administration, Hospital Administration, Combat Medical Operations & Training, and Combat Medical Logistics).

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

●     Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grant Review Committee, Oregon State Library, 2021-present.

●     OASL Fall Conference Co-Chair and Presenter, Spring 2021 - Fall 2022.

●     OASL Region 3 Board Member, 2021-present. 

●     OASL Advocacy Committee, 2019-2020.

●     OASL Teacher Librarian of the Year, 2019.

●     OASL Region 5 Spring Conference Co-Chair and Presenter, 2017-2019.

Other Professional Involvement:

●      5 x Teacher of the Year Recipient: (OASL Teacher Librarian of the Year 2019, Medford Golden Pear Teacher of the Year Finalist 2018, West Fargo Middle School Teacher of the Year 2010, NDSU College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Graduate Teacher of the Year 2007, NDSU Department of English Graduate Teacher of the Year 2006).

●      National Future Ready Librarian Summit Presenter, March 2021 & Future Ready Librarian Podcast Guest Speaker, October 2021.

●      Siuslaw Public Library Budget Committee, 2021-present.

●      Southern Oregon ESD EdTech Summit Presenter & Committee Member, 2013-2020. 

●      Women’s Studies/Gender Studies & Language Bias Presenter, North Dakota State University, 2003-2007.

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

●      Leads With Integrity

●      Collaborator

●      Innovato

●      Explorer

●      Master Teacher Librarian

 

Statement of "Why I would like to work in this OLA position":

I would be honored to serve OLA & ALA because of the following:

●      Networking, connecting and bringing library colleagues together are my super powers!  We're better together! 

●      I’m a current Fulbright scholar and Future Ready Librarian national presenter and podcaster.  One of my areas of emphasis is Digital Leadership.  I tenaciously seek to grow a coastal/national/global librarian network. 

●      I’ve earned five Teacher of the Year awards throughout my 20+ year career, to include the OASL 2019 Teacher Librarian of the Year honor!  Advocating for all of Oregon’s libraries is my passion!

●      I’m an advocate, ally and champion of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.  My research focuses on amplifying marginalized voices with technology.  I can assist in aligning EDI policies, best practices, resources and opportunities. 

●      As a former Army Medical Service Corps officer of 12 years who coordinated national and global medical missions and cared for Wounded Warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C., I am trained to face adversity (and handle pandemics) with grace. 

 


American Library Association (ALA) Representative 2022-25

  Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney

Name/Current Position and Library: 
       ● Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney, Director, Driftwood Public Library (Lincoln City)

College and Post-Grad Education (school, degree, year)

  • Drexel University, Master's of Library and Information Science, 2004
  • Kalamazoo College, BA in English, 2002

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year): 

  • Public Library Division Standards Committee: 2012-2013
  • PLD Member at Large: 2015-2016
  • PLD Chair elect/Chair/Past chair:  2016-2019
  • Intellectual Freedom Committee (IFC): Member at large, 2016-2018
  • IFC Co-chair: 2018-2021
  • ALA Chapter Councilor representing OLA, 2019-present

Other Professional Involvement:

  • Statewide Database Licensing Advisory Committee: 2014-16
  • Oregon Community Foundation North Coast Leadership Committee, 2017-present
  • Co-Chair, Oregon Community Foundation Go Kids Steering Committee, 2019-2021
  • ALA Rainbow Round Table, Over the Rainbow bibliography committee, 2019-2021
  • Reviewer, GLBTRT blog, 2018-2019
  • Chair, ALA Ranbow Round Table Over the Rainbow Committee, 2021-2022

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected. 

  • Invested - I am proud to be a librarian and I expect the best from us and from our professional organizations.
  • Outspoken - I don't shrink from speaking up.
  • Attentive - I am tuned in to the issues libraries are experiencing in Oregon and nationwide. I listen well.
  • Nimble - I am not set in my ways. I react to what's actually in front of me, not what I assume is there.
  • Passionate - I believe in libraries' mission and I am all in.    

Statement of "Why I would like to work in this OLA position":

I have served OLA as Chapter Councilor since the fall of 2019. During this time, I authored the “ALA Council Resolution on Protecting Privacy and Safety in Coronavirus-related Library Policy” regarding contact tracing. I have also learned a great deal about how ALA Council functions, and I am up to date on the budget and governance issues driving the organization.

I would like to continue in this position because ALA is currently in a major state of flux in terms of how Council functions and the role it plays in governing the organization. I believe it is an advantage to Oregon libraries to have a Councilor who is fully up to speed with these changes and can best judge their implications for OLA. I would be honored to continue to represent Oregon and see this reorganization through to its fruition.

  

 

American Library Association (ALA) Representative 2022-25

  Ellie Avis

Name/Current Position and Library: 
Ellie Avis, Collection Manager at Multnomah County Library

College and Post-Grad Education (school, degree)

  •  University of Oregon, Bachelor of Arts, 2002

  •  University of California, Berkeley, Master of City Planning, 2010

  • San Jose State University, Master of Library & Information Science, 2023

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

  •  Intellectual Freedom Committee, 2019 - present

  •  Technical Services Roundtable Steering Committee, 2020 - present 

Other Professional Involvement:

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

  •  Equity-oriented

  •  Focused on outcomes

  •  Inclusive leader

  •  Accountable

  •  Transparent communicator

Statement of "Why I would like to work in this OLA position":

I look forward to this opportunity to connect the Oregon library community with conversations happening at the national level, especially around issues of equity and intellectual freedom. As a member of the OLA Intellectual Freedom Committee and Technical Services Roundtable Steering Committee, I have seen the possibilities of library professionals working together. As a member of the ALA Council, I would work to move the association in the direction of actively dismantling systems of oppression within the profession and supporting library workers of all types. 

 

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