2024 WLA Candidate Statements

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Board Candidate Statements | Division Candidate Statements | Section Candidate Statements

Candidates for WLA Leadership Positions were asked to answer four questions for their candidate statement:

• What skills and experience would you bring to the position you are seeking?
• What past involvement have you had with WLA?
• Where would you like to see WLA and the Division/Section in the future, and what would you do to move it toward that vision?
• WLA is committed to promoting EDI (equity, diversity, and inclusion) within the library profession, our association, and our communities. How do you see yourself upholding these values as a leader?

Voting is open to WLA Members Oct. 25- Nov. 17. Please review all candidates statements in their entirety before casting your votes.

Thank you to all of the 2024 WLA Elections Candidates!

Board Candidate Statements

Vice President/President-Elect

Rickey Barnett

I bring a combination of skills and experiences that I believe are vital for effective leadership. Drawing upon my extensive background as a public librarian and manager, as well as my previous work with WLA and contributions as an alumnus and volunteer with Leadership Snohomish County, I am well-prepared to fulfill the responsibilities of WLA Vice President/President-Elect. My leadership style is characterized by a forward-thinking approach, encompassing strategic planning, team building, and mentorship, all of which are crucial within library organizations. Advocacy is a central aspect of my experience, and I've had the privilege of engaging in advocacy efforts in my roles as a public librarian and manager, as well as through my previous work with the WLA Advocacy Committee.

Moreover, my ability to collaborate effectively with others, coupled with my unwavering commitment to continuous learning, ensures my capacity to cultivate a thriving organizational environment. This approach allows for active engagement with members and stakeholders, fostering teamwork and shared knowledge to propel our collective growth and success. Additionally, my strong foundation in project and resource management will be instrumental in enhancing operational efficiency. I firmly believe that these qualities position me to serve as an effective leader for WLA and to drive the association's enduring success and continued relevance.

My past involvement at WLA has included the following:

-Co-Chair, Advocacy Committee, 2019 – 2022
-Secretary, Public Library Division, 2021 – 2022
-Chair, Intellectual Freedom Section 2022 – 2023

I envision WLA as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and proactive organization that continues to be a valuable resource for library professionals and advocates throughout our state. My vision for WLA is to foster a strong, diverse, and well-connected library community to support libraries, staff, and the communities they serve. To achieve this, I would prioritize EDI efforts to foster a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive, and work to ensure that there are accessible professional development opportunities for all WLA members. Advocating for underrepresented communities, inclusive library spaces, and promoting equitable services will ensure we continue to work towards our vision as the leader for Washington libraires.

I would employ a collaborative approach to increase membership engagement and continue to grow WLA membership to ensure the resiliency and impact of WLA. Robust library advocacy and promoting intellectual freedom are also essential to my vision. My experience in these areas from serving on WLA committees and as a public librarian would help me realize these goals.

Promoting EDI is a fundamental value for me, and as a leader at WLA, I would actively uphold and advance these values through several key strategies. As a supervisor, leadership by example is something I believe in strongly, and that would extend to my leadership at WLA: I would ensure that I embody the principles of EDI, while also fostering an inclusive environment where diverse voices are supported and that advocacy continues for the expansion of equitable library services. Open communication with stakeholders and members will also be central to our commitment to advancing EDI within WLA and the profession. As a leader, I want to hear our members’ concerns and needs, and I value honest feedback so we can continually improve our work. Alongside this, I would promote continuous learning opportunities centered on EDI that are accessible and relevant to the current library landscape. Finally, advocacy, policy work, and partnerships are critical to upholding and furthering our commitment to EDI as a professional organization. As such, I would advocate for regular assessments of WLA’s progress in EDI and work to develop specific goals and strategies to make improvements. This would extend to other organizations we partner with and our legislative advocacy work.

Board Director, Public Library Division Representative

Jacob Cole

I have had a fulfilling 22-year career as a Librarian, with experience spanning various roles, from reference librarian to department supervisor, manager, assistant director, and director. Over the years, I've actively engaged with the library community, contributing to the Florida, Alaska, and Washington Library Associations.

My extensive journey in the field has granted me a multifaceted perspective on the inner workings of public libraries and their indispensable role within our communities. I've consistently advocated for libraries, conveying their vital importance to both local and state representatives.

At the core of my passion lies a deep commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. I firmly believe that by reducing barriers and increasing access, we can create a more inclusive and equitable library environment. I'm here to listen and ensure that every viewpoint is considered within our association, as your voice and insights are crucial in shaping the future of our libraries. Together, we can drive meaningful change and strengthen our community through the power of libraries.

I envision the Washington Library Association (WLA) taking a proactive stance in advocating for library workers and our core beliefs. This can be achieved through a two-fold approach:

Continuing Education: WLA should champion the professional development and growth of library workers. By providing robust continuing education programs, we empower our members with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. These programs should be designed to keep up with the ever-evolving library landscape, including new technologies, best practices, and emerging trends. Ensuring that our library professionals are well-prepared is not only in their best interest but also essential to offering top-notch services to the communities we serve.

Lobbying Efforts: To truly support our core beliefs and advance our mission, WLA should engage in strategic lobbying efforts. We must actively work with local and state representatives to advocate for libraries and library workers. This includes pushing for necessary funding, policy changes, and legislation that align with our values, such as equity, diversity, and inclusion. By wielding our collective voice, we can make a substantial impact on the policies that shape our profession and impact our communities.

By integrating these two pillars into our strategy, WLA will not only advocate for the betterment of library workers but also play a pivotal role in strengthening libraries' role in the community, thereby fostering an environment of growth, inclusion, and opportunity for all. Together, we can realize our shared vision for Washington's libraries and the dedicated individuals who make them thrive.

I am dedicated to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organization. I believe that this commitment begins with active listening to a diverse range of voices. To further this goal, I am continuously learning to better understand how organizations can evolve and become more inclusive. I also stand as an advocate for anti-racism, actively working to break down systemic barriers that hinder progress.

These values are not just ideals, but integral parts of my approach. They are woven into the fabric of our organization's strategic plan, ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion are not just concepts, but tangible objectives. These principles guide our training initiatives, policy creation, and daily procedures, cultivating a culture of openness, acceptance, and equality.

I also proactively seek out and engage with individuals in our community who can offer valuable insights into the barriers that hinder access for disabled, neurodiverse, minority, mentally ill, and queer communities. Their experiences and perspectives are invaluable, helping us identify and address these challenges more effectively.

Together, we are dedicated to creating a library that is truly accessible and inclusive, where every individual feels welcome, valued, and heard. By making these principles a central part of our organization's mission, we are actively working to foster positive change and progress for all.

Carol Ellison

I have proudly worked in public libraries for 25 years. I’ve served in different leadership capacities in WLA, including Vice Chair and then Chair for the Public Library Division at the start of the pandemic. Leading PLD in such a chaotic time, I quickly learned (and relearned!) effective ways to make connections, share resources, and support others during periods of immense change. I have an established working relationship with current PLD leadership, and I’m passionate about public libraries and the people who work in them.

I’ve been a member of WLA since 2005. I’ve volunteered for several WALE conference planning committees, WALE scholarship/awards committees, and volunteered at every WALE and WLA conference I’ve attended. I was elected WALE Secretary in 2013 and WLA Public Library Division Vice Chair/Chair-Elect in 2020. I received the WALE Outstanding Employee of the Year Award in 2016, and recently applied to the WLA mentorship program.

I would love to see WLA attract new members and incite enthusiasm for participation in committees, interest groups, and leadership. I’ve long been someone who works across departmental lines and actively works to bring seemingly dissimilar groups together. I think with some planning and creativity, we can bring in new voices and fresh perspectives to our organization.

I uphold EDI values as part of my day job as a circulation supervisor, and I would take a similar approach in this role. Strategies include: active listening; amplifying diverse voices; stepping back and encouraging others to share so that everyone’s perspectives have a chance to be heard; calling out microaggressions and problematic behaviors; revising outdated policies and procedures. We are strongest when we can create a safe environment where everyone is respected and heard. Thank you.

Board Director, School Library Division Representative

Ryan Grant

I'm in my 23rd year of teaching, both as a classroom teacher (1st and 5th grade!), alternative learning, and a librarian for the past 5 years.

I'm the past chair of the School Library Division, the current chair of the Legislative Committee, and have also served on the ad-hoc Book Awards Committee and the Conference Committee.

The School Library Division has been doing some really neat things the last couple of years; lots of work in Olympia, working with the Washington State Library to sponsor learning for school librarians, and bringing the energy we need to move our profession forward.  Next year the President of the WLA will be a school librarian, and I'd be grateful for the chance to serve on the board with her.

Representation matters--I've lived it in my library, and I absolutely understand the need for it in our leadership, programming, and how we present ourselves to the wider library community.  As a cis white male I've got a lot to learn; I'm happy to listen.

Student Representative to the Board

Taylor Hazan

As a first-year student in the UW MLIS program, serving as the Student Representative for the Washington Library Association would be a remarkable opportunity to broaden my education while actively participating in the conversations that library professionals are having. I have spent the previous four years working at a humanitarian nonprofit, where I played a major role in developing our organizational culture and communication between several international offices and programs. Additionally, I have previously served on two Boards. My classmates elected me to be the New Alumni representative on the Kenyon College Alumni Council, and the Council unanimously decided to extend my term for a second year (I served from 2019-2021). The Society for Humanistic Anthropology also asked me to serve as a student member of their Board in 2020/2021, and I took a lead role in mediating a conflict between journal editors. Because I bridge the Millennial and Gen-Z generations, I believe that my fresh perspective and curiosity has infused every group I’ve been a part of with a new sense of energy and creativity, and I would be overjoyed to bring that energy to the WLA Board. As a lifelong learner who trained in anthropology, I am an astute observer of culture and inclusion, and I am not afraid to ask questions about practices and norms that disrupt the flow of conversation and innovation. That curiosity, combined with my skills in communication and coordination would make me a perfect candidate for this position. 

As a new resident of Washington (I moved from Boston in mid-August!), I have only been a member of WLA for a short time. However, I did attend the Neurodivergence and Libraries Summit in early September and found it extremely validating and enlightening! 

 As a student member, I do not have any voting capability. Regardless, I believe that this position is a constant reminder of the future of the WLA. Library science students are the next generation of change-makers, and building a stronger connection between WLA and student populations is absolutely key. The mentorship program is already running, but I do think regular career talks and "day in the life" interviews (whether in written, audio, video, or in-person formats) would serve as a great tool for preparing students for their careers as library/information professionals. Now more than ever, libraries and their keepers must be united in the face of growing violence against libraries and their ethos, so I see the advocacy portion of the vision statement as even more important. Connecting library staff to one another can help build necessary solidarity and morality, and I look forward to participating in that community-building. 

Even more importantly, while I believe I would be a wonderful candidate for this position, my voice as a cisgender white woman from a middle class background is likely already well-represented in these sorts of places. If another student from an underrepresented background or perspective applies for this role, I strongly advise that you consider voting for them instead of me: I will personally cast my vote in their favor. Great leaders know when to elevate other leaders to higher positions, and I would not be upholding my EDI values if I took this role from another qualified candidate with a more important perspective to offer.

My first and central responsibility as a leader has always been to listen. EDI processes and practices demand listening, particularly from people in positions of power (whether hierarchically in WLA/library structures or by inheriting privilege of all kinds). I see that WLA is committed to doing EDI work, and I think it's absolutely important to keep those priorities front and center. As a student, I am continuing to learn about and center the underrepresented voices and perspectives in Washington and its libraries.

Division Candidate Statements

Academic Library Division/ACRL-WA Secretary/Communications

Daniel Pringle

I have worked in academic libraries since I was an undergraduate in the 1990s. My experience in different departments as a student worker, staff member, and now faculty member at public and private institutions in Washington has given me wide-ranging knowledge of how academic libraries operate and how a WLA Division can advocate for and support libraries and library workers. I attended the Pacific Northwest Library Association Leadership Institute in 2013 and recently completed a master’s degree in communication studies at Eastern Washington University. These experiences have shaped my skills and perspective on utilizing roles of influence in the interests of one’s constituents, which will inform my work as Secretary.

I have been a WLA member since getting my library degree from the University of British Columbia in 2010 and have attended two conferences (one the joint OLA-WLA conference). I served on the Marketing and Communications Committee in 2022.

ALD/ACRL-WA can support academic libraries as a collaborative and cooperative body that identifies and strengthens commonalities and shared interests for libraries and library workers. I’d like to see more professional development opportunities for academic librarians and more coordination of librarians in Washington as they address issues like the serials crisis/scholarly communication, textbook affordability, and Open Education Resources. I’d also like to see more support for research in the form of guiding librarians through the research process from identifying a research problem to collecting data to publishing/distributing their findings. I can move toward that vision by identifying resources for dealing with the issues I mentioned and sharing them out, locating and enlisting experts who also want to support research in the field, and really just working to start conversations that lay the groundwork for future collaboration.

EDI is an important value to me and one that I held before I started working in libraries. Once I started working in libraries, I found that library values like intellectual freedom and free and open access to information sprang from the same source as EDI, in that those values all share a concern for the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. Therefore, I would uphold EDI values similarly to how I uphold library values: by treating each person as an individual with their own stories and experiences who has come to a place where some deficiency—either structural and systemic or as a result of limited experience or choice—results in them needing some extra help. As a person of privilege and a person with abilities as a librarian, I try to use that privilege and ability to serve the interest of the individual or group before me with empathy and understanding and always with their participation.

Academic Library Division/ACRL-WA Communications Manager

Leah Cover

I am able to draft clear and concise content for emails, newsletters, and meeting minutes. My experience serving as the ALD/ACRL-WA Communications Manager starting in January 2023 has helped me to become familiar with the steering committee processes and timelines. 

Following my move to Washington in July 2022, I stepped into my role as the ALD/ACRL-WA Communications Manager in January 2023.

I'm eager to see the continued sharing of ideas, projects, and collaborations between libraries within and beyond the division. As a part of the steering committee, I will facilitate the sharing of information via the semi-annual newsletter and monthly informal drop-in conversations on topics of interest to division members.

I will prioritize the accessibility of division communications and encourage conversations that allow library workers to reflect and act on inequities in our communities.

Academic Library Division/ACRL-WA Member at Large

Genoveva Vergara