Tena Wilson, Executive Director of Stark County District Library, has been appointed Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cleveland Public Library. She will begin her new role on February 5, 2018.
Ms. Wilson’s appointment signals her return to Cleveland Public Library, where she previously worked from 2006-2012. She served the Library in a variety of roles during that time, including branch manager, marketing and communications administrator, and team manager for the West Side branches.
“During her past employment at Cleveland Public Library and her more recent work with Stark County District Library, Ms. Wilson has proven herself to be a sharp, dedicated leader,” says Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director of Cleveland Public Library. “We look forward to welcoming her back into our family here at Cleveland Public Library.”
Ms. Wilson’s library experience spans 25 years and ranges from designing bookmobiles to developing marketing plans, managing library budgets, and overseeing the daily operations of multiple libraries. During her five years as Executive Director of Stark County District Library, the library system passed a successful levy campaign, eliminated overdue fines, won numerous innovation awards, championed early literacy in the community, and launched a number of new patron services including passports and BikeSmart.
“Libraries are essential community assets, and it has been my privilege to serve the residents of Stark County,” Ms. Wilson says. “Cleveland Public Library is a top-notch library, and it will be a privilege to work again with Director Felton Thomas at The People’s University.”
Ms. Wilson holds a Master of Library Science from Kent State University and, prior to directing Stark County District Library, served as the Director of the Winnetka-Northfield Library District just north of Chicago. She is a graduate of the Leadership Stark Signature Program and serves on the boards of Women’s Impact, Inc. and Canton Tomorrow, Inc., as well as on the Kent State University Stark Advisory board and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Stark County board. She is also a member of the Women’s Board of Aultman Hospital.
Ms. Wilson replaces Cindy Lombardo, who retired as Cleveland Public Library’s Deputy Director and COO effective January 12, 2018.