Press release courtesy of Teton County Library
Valerie Maginnis
Jackson, Wyo.- Following a national search, and a unanimous vote by the Library Board, Valerie Maginnis begins her tenure today on December 28 as the new Teton County Library Director, providing leadership and strategic direction for this valuable community center.
“The Library Board was very impressed with Valerie. She brings significant years of leadership experience working in complex library organizations. This, combined with her dedication to staff development and the phenomenal skill she demonstrates on moving organizations forward, makes her an outstanding person to fill this critical role,” said Carol Peck, Chair of the Library Board.
Maginnis brings over 16 years of experience in directing large library systems in both county and municipal libraries in California, Colorado and Wyoming. Previously, she served as the Library & Arts Director for the city of Boulder, Colorado, where she developed and implemented Boulder’s first public art program and led an architecturally significant new design and renovation of the main library.
She also has a wealth of experience mentoring leadership teams with a focus on developing future library leaders. She earned her Masters’ of Library Science from the University of Arizona and later received her Masters’ in Public Administration from California State University. Most recently, she attended the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service LEAD program.
“I am thrilled to be starting as the next Teton County Library Director. I want to thank the members of the Library Board for placing their trust in me. I’m energized to be working in a community that is proud of and loves its library. And, I am most excited about working with the staff because they truly are responsible for making the magic happen.” said Maginnis.
Maginnis will oversee all library operations, 56 professional and para-professional full-and part-time staff members and over 37,500 square feet of combined space. Teton County Library houses more than 100,000 items for circulation, and each year welcomes nearly 300,000 in-person visits to take advantage of the library’s resources, programs, and services.
“Our public libraries are highly valued community centers, and Valerie’s experience is a perfect match for a community as engaged as Teton County,” said Peck. “I also want to recognize Isabel Zumel for guiding our library with a steady hand during our transition to a new director.”