Portage District Library Trustee Choose 3
The role of a public library board is to set policy and to delegate responsibility for implementing those policies to the library’s director and staff. The board provides for, establishes and reviews library services necessary or desirable to serve library constituents. This includes appointing and reviewing the director, overseeing finances, providing suitable facilities, and guiding the future of the library through strategic planning.Seven members. Four-year term.
Biographical Information
Age
50
Occupation / Current Position
Professor and Chair, Department of Marketing, Haworth College of Business, Western Michigan Univ.
Education
PhD & MA, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Univ. of Akron, BA, DePauw University
Experience & Qualifications
20+ years in academia, 10+ of which were in senior/executive roles, including Dean at Ball State University and Provost at WMU; significant budget, governance, and strategy work. Prior extensive board service in the non-profit sector will help me serve my community and our library effectively.
Campaign Email
jenbott@gmail.com
Why are you running for a board seat? What strengths or talents especially qualify you for that role?
I'm running to champion the library as a "third place" for members of our community, serving as a gathering space across their entire lives. The library was that place for me during COVID, where the feel of a physical book gave me something to hold onto, literally and metaphorically. My experience in managing budgets, developing strong organizations, and buidling collaborative strategy has prepared me to help the Portage District Library serve as a third place for every generation.
If elected, what are your top two priorities for the next four years? How will you strive to address them?
Community matters more than ever and the library is where it happens. Staff are doing incredible work in blending the physical and digital worlds, developing programming that promotes exploration, connection, and curiosity. As the Portage District Library heads into its next strategic planning process, my priorities are to keep strengthening that physical-digital balance and to continue innovating programs that meet people where they are, while opening doors to a possible future.
Are you satisfied with how well the library is serving the community? Explain why or what more should be done to make the library accessible, inclusive, and equitable.
I'm impressed with the strategic direction of the Portage District Library and look forward to working alongside the staff to continue to elevate programming and service. Notably, the library's recent renovation made the space more accessible and inviting, with an expanded entrance and dedicated makerspace. The library recently went fine-free, removing barriers to access for families in our community. I want to work alongside the team to build awareness of the library's programming and to continue to advocate for funding and good stewardship of taxpayer investment.
Biographical Information
Age
59
Occupation / Current Position
Retired Educator
Education
BA Secondary Education; MA Educational Technology
Experience & Qualifications
Incumbent: running for a 3rd term
Campaign Mailing Address
3045 Kalarama Avenue
Campaign Email
cowzaymoo@sbcglobal.net
Why are you running for a board seat? What strengths or talents especially qualify you for that role?
I have enjoyed playing a role in the library for my last two terms as Vice Chair and Chair and would like to continue serving to continue the work we are doing with the Strategic Plan and to support the library so the community may continue to have this critical resource.
If elected, what are your top two priorities for the next four years? How will you strive to address them?
I am looking forward to the work with updating the Strategic Plan with the Board and Library Staff to insure a robust and directed plan is in place for the next phase.
Are you satisfied with how well the library is serving the community? Explain why or what more should be done to make the library accessible, inclusive, and equitable.
The Library has proven over and over again to be a go-to place for the community. It has been so exciting over my last two terms to see the renovation completed and the Library open more and more options to the community whether it be the Seed Library, the Library of Things, the Makers Space, or the diverse programming for all ages. I believe the Library continually strives to be accessible to all which is one of its many strengths.
Biographical Information
Why are you running for a board seat? What strengths or talents especially qualify you for that role?
Candidate has not yet responded.
If elected, what are your top two priorities for the next four years? How will you strive to address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Are you satisfied with how well the library is serving the community? Explain why or what more should be done to make the library accessible, inclusive, and equitable.
Candidate has not yet responded.