Today the Library Board of Trustees proudly announced that Donna Pittman has been appointed the new Director of the Champaign Public Library. Pittman’s first official day as Director will be August 8, 2016.
Ms. Pittman has worked in several different positions at the Champaign Public Library over the last 27 years, serving most recently as the Development Director. She has also served as the Library’s interim Director since February of this year. Ms. Pittman brings practical experience maximizing community partnerships, implementing effective fundraising strategies, and developing creative strategies in order to improve the Library’s impact and visibility.
Ms. Pittman holds Master’s degrees in Library and Information Science and Social Work and a Bachelor’s degree in History – all from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Martin Wolske, President of the Library Board of Trustees said, “We looked at a number of very strong candidates during the recruitment and interview process. At every stage, Donna demonstrated that she possesses all the key qualities the Board was looking for in its next director. She excels at building relationships and working collaboratively with a diversity of people and organizations within the community. She has the ability to leverage these relationships to create unique partnerships which support core library services that align with community needs. And Donna’s breadth of experiences working in the Champaign Public Library will be an outstanding asset as she takes over as director.”
Of her new appointment, Ms. Pittman said, “I’m honored for the opportunity to serve as the next Director of the Champaign Public Library, and I’m looking forward to starting this new chapter in my career. Champaign’s continued recognition as a 4-star library is a testament to the outstanding staff, programs, and services which the library provides, and our community members have come to expect. I look forward to continuing to work with the community in this new role, and developing new opportunities to make the Champaign Public Library even better.”
Pittman was selected from a field of 24 candidates who applied during the Library’s second nationwide search which kicked off earlier this year. The Director position has been vacant since former Director Marsha Grove retired on January 30, 2016.
Wolske adds, “The Board of Trustees thanks all the applicants and everyone who helped with the recruitment process. The Board looks forward to working with Donna and continuing to build upon the Library’s place as the heart and soul of our community.”
The Library Board of Trustees acknowledges and thanks all those who assisted in the Library Director recruitment, including the search committee, the Champaign Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Champaign Public Library, Champaign Public Library staff, City of Champaign staff, Bradbury Miller Associates, and numerous community stakeholders and members of the public.
Contact: Martin Wolske, President Board of Trustees, 217-840-7434