Leadership Profile
My journey began as a student assistant in the stacks department at the University of Central Florida, where I re-shelved books, shifted collections, and tracked down lost items. From there, I moved into a staff supervisor role at the circulation desk, recognizing it as the library’s bustling epicenter. These early experiences sparked a question that has driven me ever since: how can I continuously learn more and increasingly contribute to making libraries better?
Since earning a Library and Information Science degree from the University of South Florida, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of professional and administrative roles at institutions including the George Washington University, Georgia Tech, UC Santa Barbara, Virginia Tech, and Carnegie Mellon.
To further enhance my professional capabilities and leadership capacity, I’ve actively pursued diverse positions to broaden my functional knowledge and appreciate how different library units interrelate. With every role, project, and initiative, I return to the question that first inspired me: how can I keep learning and make libraries better? This question continues to drive my work today.
Teaching & Learning
I began my librarian career as a subject liaison, providing reference and instruction services, developing outreach strategies, and managing collection development responsibilities. I eventually led a liaison team, offering guidance to help my colleagues expand their influence and deepen their reach within various academic departments.
I have been passionate about integrating the library with high-impact practices (HIPs), leading initiatives and fostering partnerships in areas such as student portfolios, study abroad, service learning, living-learning communities, common book programs, and undergraduate research. In a previous coordinator role, I ensured that the library’s resources and services remained accessible to all students and faculty, regardless of location. Additionally, I participated in a university-wide committee focused on designing national and global education strategies and operations
Spaces & Facilities
I have led numerous renovations and upgrades to library spaces, including classrooms, staff workspaces, commons areas, studios, media labs, a café, a multipurpose event room, and major capital projects. I was also part of teams that designed a bioengineering research building, a general classroom building, a living-learning residence hall, and a creativity district.
In addition to managing renovations, I oversaw the ongoing operations of a library building exceeding 350,000 square feet, ensuring safety, housekeeping, technical support, maintenance, and general upkeep.
Much of my work in reimagining library spaces is detailed in my book, Encoding Space. You can also find this chapter interesting: It’s Not a Space, It’s a Philosophy: Designing a High-Purpose Culture within Your Learning Environment.
Research & Scholarship
I’ve focused on enhancing library engagement across the ever-expanding landscape of research activities. My leadership has spanned diverse services such as data management, institutional repositories, digital publishing, scholarly communications, digital preservation, and digital humanities.
Working directly with researchers in their labs, I've gained firsthand insights into their challenges—from the intricacies of writing proposals and conducting literature reviews to managing data, optimizing logistics, and shaping culture.
As an advocate for open science, I have addressed key issues including data storage, accessibility, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. My role on a campus-wide research committee allowed me to contribute to strategic discussions on research metrics, research proposal development, open access, federal funder and publisher mandates, researcher IDs, intellectual property, risk management, IRB matters, and other crucial topics. These efforts underscore my dedication to advancing the role of libraries as partners for innovation, collaboration, and scholarship across the research enterprise.
Special Collections & University Archives
Overseeing a special collections and university archives department was a profoundly rewarding and enlightening experience. This role deepened my appreciation for the crucial part these areas play in preserving history, culture, and knowledge.
I relished the opportunity to work with Renaissance-era books, Nobel Prize winners’ papers, and seemingly infinite boxes of archival material. I focused on addressing the technical and staffing needs necessary for maintaining the accessibility and integrity of these unique collections. Additionally, I actively supported outreach and engagement initiatives, expanded efforts for inclusivity, and aimed to enhance the visibility and approachability of our distinctive collections.
Technology Development
I effectively managed a technology team encompassing software developers, systems administrators, and analysts, ensuring that our digital infrastructure was not only responsive but also robust and reliable. I sought a balance between maintenance and stewardship with the dynamic pursuit of innovation and new services. My experience with technology development has reshaped my perspectives on planning, scaling, and adaptability. It has led me to integrate more agile strategies that not only anticipate future needs but also respond flexibly to emerging challenges.
With the arrival of generative AI, I have taken a proactive stance by co-leading an AI Sandbox initiative and establishing an AI resident position to creatively harness these technologies. Additionally, I have enhanced our tech environment by hosting two CLIR fellows specializing in software preservation. I also oversee our digital library / Islandora, leading a cross-functional team that drives technological advancements and streamlines the integration of new collections.
Research Information Management
I have significantly expanded my administrative expertise through guiding the Research Information Management Service (RIMS) at Carnegie Mellon. We have strategically positioned the Symplectic Elements platform within the Libraries, curating, managing, and disseminating information and data across the university.
This arrangement allows us to provide a comprehensive suite of services, including public profiles, custom data feeds, and sophisticated reports and visualizations. These tools cater to a wide range of campus-wide needs, such as supporting accreditation processes, reappointment and tenure procedures, faculty annual reviews, and identifying opportunities for service and engagement. By integrating RIMS/Elements, we strengthen our role in the academic ecosystem, supporting improved decision-making and operational efficiency.
Executive Experience
In my roles as a library administrator across several institutions, I’ve honed a broad range of skills from strategic planning and innovation to marketing, outreach, assessment, fundraising, and organizational development. I have been instrumental in building budgets and shaping teams, consistently working to expand the library’s reach and ensure its vital presence within the university.
Driven by my commitment to the profession, I have worked across various functional areas to develop a leadership style that is both visionary and practical. Over the past two decades, I’ve helped libraries adapt to emerging challenges and enhance their roles. Looking ahead, I aim to further advance my skills and knowledge, striving to make an even greater impact on higher education and the world beyond.