About Me
I helped launch and guide one of the most recognized library brands in the world. I'm passionate about community building, storytelling and joy as an essential service. I'm currently seeking clients, partners, collaborators and creatives to build movements together.
Skills & Expertise
Branding/Marketing/PR
Public speaking
Storytelling
Relationship-building
Experience design
Strategic thinking
Creative facilitation
Writing/editing
Work Experience
I spent 15 years working at Anythink, the public library system for Adams County, Colo., and one of the most recognized library brands in the world. As part of the team that developed, nurtured and evolved the Anythink brand, I have traveled worldwide to share the library's story, and inspire others passionate about creative thinking in libraries.
In my role as Director of Strategic Partnerships, I helped establish Anythink as a catalyst for innovation in Adams County through partnerships, events, and art - all while facilitating a deeper emotional connection between the library and the community through experiences and storytelling.
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In 2012, I helped launch R-Squared – The Risk & Reward Conference, which focused on creativity and taking smart risks to move libraries forward. As an extension of this, I was co-founder and former chair of the planning committee for Outside the Lines: Libraries Reintroduced, a global initiative demonstrating the creativity and innovation happening in libraries.
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I also have experience working in various roles in community media and as an editor for a global newswire service.
On the Road
People-Centered Work: Using Creative Thinking to Meet People Where They Are
Florida Libraries Online Conference 2023 | Online
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Dream and Design: Transforming Spaces that Inspire
NEXT Library 2023 | Aarhus, Denmark
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Finding Joy: Library as Space for Playful Learning and Creativity
Sharjah International Library Conference 2022 | Sharjah, UAE
Public Library Association Conference 2022 | Portland, OR
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Everyone is Creative
Burning Man European Leadership Summit 2019 | Aarhus, Denmark
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Get Outside the Lines: Reintroducing the Library to Your Community
Marigold Library System Member Libraries Workshop 2017 | Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Passions
People | brand development | leadership | organizational culture | civic engagement | community building | strategic thinking | writing/editing | concept development | big ideas | building movements | event planning | music | transforming spaces | experiential design | public art | presentations | public speaking | social media | reading | kayaking | new technologies | poetry | philosophy | playing outside | concerts | Viola Lee (my cat) | spending time with friends and family
Boards and Awards
BOARDS AND ALUMNI
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International Advisory Board – Center for Information Research and Innovation
San Jose State University - 2015-2024
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Colorado Business Committee for the Arts
Leadership Arts Alumni - 2019-2020
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Citizen University
Civic Saturday Fellow, Cohort Three - 2019
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AWARDS
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Society for Professional Journalists for Spark magazine - 2017, 2018, 2019
Library Journal Mover and Shaker Award - 2013
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John Cotton Dana Award for Outstanding Public Relations - 2011