Libraries add four new staff members; celebrates promotion of two other staff

information released

NCW Libraries is pleased to welcome four new staff members to critical leadership roles in Wenatchee and Moses Lake and celebrates the promotion of two additional staff members.

In May, Jas Templet was promoted to Supervising Librarian I at the Republic Public Library. Jas previously served as the Branch Librarian at the Curlew Public Library. They have worked hard to build connections with area social services agencies to serve the larger population of Ferry County. Jas is valued by the Curlew and Republic Friends groups as well as the many patrons who visit both locations. Jas looks forward to the opportunity to increase community impact and grow library services in Ferry County. Prior to NCW Libraries, Jas worked for the Ilisagvik Tribal College in Alaska and the Baton Rouge Parish Library in Louisiana. They earned their Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana State University and Masters in Library and Information Science from Texas Women’s University.

Todd Vandenbark

Kyle Huizenga

Austin Fogelsong

In July, Todd Vandenbark and Kyle Huizenga began new roles at the Wenatchee Public Library. Alyssa Cruz-Uribe was promoted to an Area Manager Position in Okanogan County.

Todd is the Supervising Librarian III at the Wenatchee Public Library and the East Wenatchee Public Library. He will oversee programming and community partnerships. He brings over 12 years of progressive library experience in Indiana, Utah, Iowa, and most recently as the Director of Library Services at the Columbia County Rural Library District. Todd loves representing the library in the community through outreach activities. He is looking forward to connecting with the Wenatchee Valley community and building partnerships with other organizations to grow usership and library engagement. Todd received a BA in Psychology and Computer Science from Luther College and a Masters in Library Sciences from Indiana University.

Kyle is the Operations Supervisor at the Wenatchee Public Library. Kyle brings over 8 years of experience in libraries in Illinois and with Yakima Valley Libraries. He is supervising library staff and supporting the daily operations of the library. Kyle is focused on creating a positive, team-focused environment to provide the best service possible to the community. He received a BA in English from Spring Arbor University and a Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.

Alyssa has been with NCW Libraries for two and a half years. She previously served as the Supervising Librarian for the Omak Public Library and now serves as an Area Manager, overseeing several branch locations. Before coming to Washington, she worked at the Salem Public Library and other libraries throughout Oregon. Alyssa is focusing on supporting the branches she oversees and promoting staff’s professional development. Alyssa received her BA in History from Oregon State University and her Masters in Library and Information Science from Emporia State University

In August, James Parrott  started in the role of Library Collections and Technical Services Manager, located at the NCW Libraries Administration Building.  Austin Fogelsong began his role as the Supervising Librarian II at the Moses Lake Public Library.

James brings 17 years of library experience in Georgia, Indiana, and Montana. He is excited to work in a larger district with a broader scope of work. James is looking forward to “developing plans and predictions based on past performance and real world data.” James graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology and a double Masters in Experimental Psychology and Library and Information Science.

Growing up in the Quincy area, Austin spent a significant amount of time in the Quincy, George, and Moses Lake Public Libraries. He volunteered at the Quincy Library while going to school. Most recently, Austin worked at the Quincy School District as a High School English Teacher. While attending Whitworth, Austin specialized in gifted education. Austin received his Masters in Education in Teaching and Learning from Whitworth and his Masters of Library and Information Science from the University of Washington. Austin is a doctoral student studying cognitive diversity and twice-exceptional (2e) education at Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity in Education.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new staff members to critical roles that will help build organizational capacity. They will provide hands-on, practical support for staff and serve our communities through strategic partnerships, programs, and collections,” said Barbara Walters, NCW Libraries Executive Director.

NCW Libraries mission is to connect the people of North Central Washington to vital resources and opportunities that foster individual growth and strengthen communities.

Learn more at www.ncwlibraries.org.