The City Library Board Appoints Transitional Director, Linda Hamilton and Deputy Director , Karen Okabe to lead transition for Salt Lake City Public Library

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Julianne Hancock

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The City Library Board Appoints Transitional Director, Linda Hamilton and Deputy

Director , Karen Okabe to lead transition for Salt Lake City Public Library

November 17, 2011 – Salt Lake City – The Board of the Salt Lake City Public Library today announced the appointment of Linda Hamilton as Library Director, and Karen Okabe as Deputy Director. Hamilton and Okabe will be focused on several initiatives designed to prepare The City Library for a permanent director in the future.

“Linda and Karen have demonstrated records of bringing good government practices such as accountability and transparency to a wide range of public organizations in our community,” said Board President Kevin Werner. “We are confident that their experience and leadership will continue the trajectory of excellence already established at The City Library.”

Hamilton currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer for Salt Lake County. She will continue her oversight responsibilities with the County while leading The City Library. Prior to her current appointment, Hamilton served as Salt Lake County Public Works Director from 2006-2011, and Salt Lake County Chief Financial Officer from 2005-2006.

Okabe is currently a consultant. Previously, Okabe was Chief Executive Officer for Japanese American Service Committee, served as Deputy Mayor of Salt Lake County from 2005-2008, and was Executive Director of the Department of Human Resource Management for the State of Utah from 1993-2003.

Hamilton and Okabe were appointed following the resignation of Beth Elder, who served as the Library’s Director since 2008.

Hamilton said that her first task will be to meet employees and the Library’s management so she can understand the most pressing issues that need to be addressed. The transitional leadership will also be tasked with leading a performance audit conducted by Salt Lake City, reviewing personnel policies and procedures, and working with the Library Board and a community committee to identify a permanent Library Director.

“We are delighted to be a part of this celebrated organization,” said Hamilton. “Karen and I are really looking forward to working with the great employees of The City Library.”

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