Vice President/President Elect 2023-24
This position is currently vacant. The person elected for Vice President/President Elect for 2023-24 will serve in that position until September 2024, after which they will become President.

  Ayn Frazee

• University of California, Davis - BS in Human Development, 2008
• Portland State University - MS in Educational Media and Librarianship, 2013 

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/0xqmIJl9aXI?si=4GeuzmwfEXzzAJvi

  

Vice President/President Elect 2024-25

  Laura Kimberly

College and Post-Graduate Education (school, degree)

• Masters of Library and Information Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Graduated: 2013, Emphasis: Information Organization, Honors: Summa cum Laude 
• Bachelors of Communications, University of Phoenix, Reno, Nevada, Graduated: 2011, Emphasis: Communications and Technology, Honors: Cum Laude

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

• Libros for Oregon, Chair | April 2023-Present
• Conference Planning Committee, Poster Session Chair | August 2022-April 2023
• Public Library Division, Past Chair | September 2021-August 2022
• Public Library Division, Chair | September 2020-August 2021
• Executive Board, Public Library Division Chair | September 2020-August 2021
• Libros for Oregon, Vice Chair/Chair Elect | April 2022-April 2023
• Leadership Committee Member | August 2020-Present
• Public Library Division, Vice Chair/Chair Elect | September 2019-September 2020
• Public Library Division, Standards Subcommittee | August 2019-November 2021
• Oregon Library Association Leadership Institute 2019 Class, Participant | June 2019-May 2020
• Kimberly, Laura, Guest Editor. (2024). Marketing and Outreach: Connecting to Our Communities. Oregon Library Association Quarterly, 28(1). Retrieved from https://journals3.library.oregonstate.edu/olaq/issue/view/vol28_iss1

Other Professional Involvement of Note (list up to five committees / offices / and years):

• President | July 2024-June 2025
• President-Elect | July 2023-June 2024
• Vice President-Elect | July 2022-June 2023
• Youth Services Committee Member | June 2020-Present
• Membership Matters Committee Chair | June 2020-June 2022
• Rookie of the Year, Rotary Club of Newport | June 2020

Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce

• Executive Board Member | July 2021-September 2023
• Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lincoln 2019-2020 Class, Participant | September 2019-June 2020
• Lincoln County Cultural Coalition, Board Member | October 2022-Present
• Sister City Committee, City of Newport | January 2020-October 2022
• REFORMA National Conference 2021 Programming Committee Co-Chair | February 2020-November 2021

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

Enthusiastic: I bring boundless enthusiasm to every task I undertake. This energy fuels my dedication to advancing the goals of the Oregon Library Association (OLA). Whether it's advocating for library resources or fostering partnerships within the community, my enthusiasm will inspire others to join me in our collective efforts to support libraries across our state.

Empathic: Empathy lies at the core of my approach to leadership. I deeply understand the diverse needs and challenges facing our members and the communities we serve. This empathetic perspective allows me to advocate effectively for initiatives that address those needs, ensuring that our association remains responsive and relevant to everyone we serve. 

Connector: As a natural connector, I thrive on building bridges between individuals, organizations, and ideas. I see the value in cultivating strong relationships within our association and beyond, fostering collaboration and synergy among stakeholders. By leveraging my networking skills, I will expand OLA's reach and influence, amplifying our collective voice and impact.

High Achieving: I hold myself to the highest standards of excellence in everything I do. This drive for achievement pushes me to set ambitious goals and work tirelessly to exceed expectations. In the role of vice president/president-elect, I will bring this commitment to excellence to bear, driving innovation and effectiveness in our association's initiatives and programs.

Diplomatic: Diplomacy is key to navigating the complexities of leadership and fostering consensus among diverse perspectives. I approach disagreements with respect and a willingness to find common ground, seeking win-win solutions that benefit all parties involved. My diplomatic approach will ensure smooth collaboration within the OLA leadership team and facilitate productive relationships with external stakeholders.

In summary, my enthusiasm, empathy, connecting abilities, commitment to excellence, and diplomatic demeanor uniquely qualify me to fulfill the responsibilities of the vice president/president-elect position within the Oregon Library Association. I am eager to leverage these personal characteristics to serve our association and advance the vital mission of libraries in our state.

Statement of “Why I would like to work in this OLA position”:

Running for the Vice President/President-elect position fills me with an electrifying passion! Every day, as a dedicated library director, I witness firsthand the transformative power of libraries in our communities. They're not just buildings filled with books; they're beacons of hope, knowledge, and connection. Amidst life's challenges, being a librarian is my ray of sunshine, my reason to embrace each new day with enthusiasm. If given the honor of serving as Vice President/President-elect, I'll infuse our Oregon Library Association with boundless energy and zeal, championing our profession with unwavering dedication and a contagious zest for the bright future we can create together!

Video Link:  https://youtu.be/SY72veykSnI

Vice President/President Elect 2024-25

  April Witteveen

Name/Current Position and Library:
April Witteveen, Library Director, OSU-Cascades

College and Post-Grad Education (school, degree, year)

• Western Michigan University, BA, 2001
• University of Michigan School of Information, MSI, 2004

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

• OLA Conference Committee, 2023
• Library Institute of the Oregon Library Association (LIOLA)OLA Secretary, 2013-2014
  • Mentee 2019 and Mentor 2020  
• OLA Secretary, 2013-2014
• OLA Hotline Newsletter Editor, 2008-2011
• OLA Communications Committee, 2011  
• Oregon Young Adult Network (OYAN)
  • Incoming Chair, Chair, and Past Chair 2006-2009
• Recipient of OLA’s Intellectual Freedom Champion Award, 2023

Other Professional Involvement:

• American Library Association, 2004-presentLibraries of Eastern Oregon, 2020-2022
  • Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
    • Michael L. Printz Award Committee, 2015-2017; committee chair
    • YALSA Board of Directors, 2013-2014
    • YALSA Organization and Bylaws Committee, 2010-2014; committee chair, 2013-2014
    • YALSA Appointments and Nominations Task Force, 2012
  • Social Rights and Responsibilities Round Table (SRRRT)
    • Amelia Bloomer Project (now Rise) member, 2011-2014
• Libraries of Eastern Oregon, 2020-2022 

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected. 

• Curious- I ask questions and explore possibilities with an open mind.
• Idea-driven- I love imagining what could be and generating creative takes on new and existing issues.
• Experienced- I am grateful for my mid-career status and am proud of my time working in Oregon libraries.
• Advocate – I use my voice to speak up for myself and others.
• Strong Leader- I stand secure in my personal and professional values, leading from a place of authenticity and integrity.

Statement of "Why I would like to work in this OLA position": 

I am excited to be part of the ballot for Vice President/President Elect. I have had a variety of library positions since coming to Oregon in 2005, and OLA has been there for me across the span of my career. 

With libraries and library workers on the frontline of serious issues including intellectual freedom challenges, finding ways to meet the social support needs of our communities, tracking the evolution of AI and its impact on the world of information, and advocating for open and equitable access to resources, I value OLA as a source of support and a clearinghouse of information, and for the many opportunities for professional networking.

I believe that when we work together and act from the values that drew so many of us to this field, we can make a difference, connecting our communities across the state to the services and support they need with minimal barriers.

Considering the position of Vice President and President Elect, I would ask questions of our membership: What do you want from your organization? What do you want to learn? How do you want to connect with your colleagues? What makes your membership meaningful? I would use my time in this role to hold these conversations and continue the strong momentum of our professional organization, ensuring that all library workers in Oregon feel seen and heard by OLA.

 
Secretary 2024-25

    Dillon Peck

College and Post-Graduate Education (school, degree):

• Willamette University Bachelor of Arts in English, Class of 2014
• University of Washington Master of Library and Information Science, Class of 2019

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year): 

• Support Staff Division: 2015-2017
• Member-At-LargeSupport Staff Division: 2016-2017 Conference Committee

Other Professional Involvement:

• Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service PYM Circulation Committee: Member 2017-2019
• Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service PYM Director Committee: Member 2019-2021
• Chemeketa Cooperative Regional Library Service PYM Circulation Committee: Committee Chair 2021-Present

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

• Passionate about libraries and their mission
• Diligent
• Diplomatic
• Willing to ask “why”
• Committed to equity

Response to  “Why I would like to work in this OLA position”:

Secretary 2024-25

     Roxanne Renteria

Name/Current Position and Library:
Roxanne M. Renteria, Community Librarian, Deschutes Public Library

College and Post-Grad Education (school, degree)

• University of Hawai’i at Mānoa
  - MLISc., Master of Library & Information Science
• California State University, Stanislaus
  - B.A. Art, Art History, Criticism and Conservation
  - B.A. Art, Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

• (Current) OLA Board Secretary, 2023—2024
• (Current) OLA EDIA Committee Co-Chair, 2023—2024
• OLA Conference Planning Committee, Online Registration Coordinator, 2023—2024
• OLA EDIA Committee Secretary, 2022—2023
• OLA Conference Planning Committee, Online Registration Coordinator, 2022—2023
• OLA Conference Planning Committee, On-Site Registration Coordinator, 2019—2020
• OLA Conference Planning Committee, Food Coordinator, 2015—2016

Other Professional Involvement:

• (Upcoming) ALSC Education Committee Member, July 2024—June 2026
• ILA & ICFL Joint Leadership Advisory Group Member, 2014

 Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

• Inclusive
  Operates as an ally, utilizing privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized colleagues, ensuring credit is given where credit is due (even in written format). My original mentors are gone now, but I can still recall the warmth of each hand up and the weight of the debt I owe in terms of paying it forward. With them in mind, and following the example set by OLA President Ericka Brunson-Rochette, my goal is to build community by sharing space—leveraging my presence within hallowed places to elevate fellow library workers, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.  
• Knowledgeable
  A proficient user of various word processing software and content management systems while typing fast and accurately. Ever willing to share knowledge of EDIA best practices, regional listserv gossip/happenings, and information gleaned from national committee work with the OLA Board and others. 
• Collaborative
  Enjoys working as a member of a team toward a shared goal or common good, in this case that would involve actively listening and documenting ideas and information. 
• Organized  
• Loves to collect, collate and label things in a neat and orderly fashion. 
• Outspoken
• Comfortable intervening, speaking up and asking for clarification, or operating as an ally.

Statement of "Why I would like to work in this OLA position":

I would love an opportunity to serve a second year as OLA Board Secretary and continue to utilize my knowledge of software and organizational skills to preserve and disseminate information to fellow library workers across the state of Oregon, while gaining an inside peek at our professional and legislative processes.

The first nine months of my term passed by in a blur. It took some time to a) understand the role each board member plays, b) identify opportunities for collaboration based on Presidential and organizational goals, and c) determine how the Secretary might be able to assist with completing additional tasks. My predecessor, Adrienne Doman Calkins spoke to this issue when running for a second term last year. Having walked in her shoes for nine months, I can attest to the fact a second term would allow me, as Secretary, to assist with additional tasks I could not have fathomed completing during my first year. The learning curve is real, and it exceeds simply taking notes.

Moreover, I view the opportunity to serve a second term as OLA Board Secretary as a way to contribute to our profession, and be of support to fellow Board members—particularly those I began this journey with. Our OLA Board members are tasked with undertaking crucial conversations and voting upon difficult issues in order to ensure libraries are equitable, diverse, inclusive and anti-racist for all workers and community members. As Secretary, I would continue to be present to share EDIA best practices, regional listserv gossip and happenings, and info gleaned from national committee work should these discussions require related context (they often do).

That said—best wishes to my running mates. May the odds be ever in [our] favor. And if they’re not, may we retain our nimble fingers.

Secretary 2024-2025

 Josh Saranpaa

College and Post-Grad Education (school, degree)

• No current college degree.  Currently finishing up a BA Cultural/Linguistic Anthropology (History minor) at Oregon State University part-time.  Tentative graduation: Summer 2026

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

• No OLA Committee involvement or otherwise yet.

Other Professional Involvement:

• Wildlife Center of the North Coast (Astoria, Oregon) Executive Director 2015-2023
• Oregon Wildlife Rehab Association Board Member (started on the board in 2016)
• Oregon Wildlife Rehab Association President (took on president role in 2020)
• Board Member of Libraries Reading Outreach of Clatsop County (started in March 2023)

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

• Organized
• Attention to detail
• Strong leadership background
• Strong non-profit background
• Commitment to libraries and library work.

Statement of "Why I would like to work in this OLA position":

I have a passion for the work of libraries, the sharing of knowledge, and the continuing education in all professions.  I want to help libraries across Oregon achieve all they want to, and I believe serving on the OLA Board of Directors is a great way to accomplish that.  I believe that networking and State Associations play a crucial role in many professions, and I want to be a part of the amazing team that helps support libraries.

Secretary 2024-2025 

 Meghan Thompson

Name/Current Position and Library:
Meghan Thompson / Library Associate at Jackson County Library Services

College and Post-Graduate Education (school, degree):

• BA Psychology, Chapman University College, 2007
• MA Counseling Psychology, Bowie State University, 2012
• MLIS, San Jose State University, 2023

OLA Involvement (Committee/Year):

• No current committee work

Other Professional Involvement:

• Recent appointment to Medford 20240 Vision Implementation Committee
• ALA Student Chapter, SJSU, Co-Chair 2022-2023
• School Board Trustee, Travis Unified School District, 2020-2022

Five Personal Characteristics that will contribute to your carrying out the OLA office responsibilities if elected:

• Knowledgeable about board membership
• Passionate about library advocacy
• Detail-oriented
• Strong communication skills
• Adaptable

Response to “Why I would like to work in this OLA position”:

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