COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has hired Darren Demaree as manager of its Marion-Franklin Branch. He officially began his new role on Sunday, June 8.

A Mount Vernon native, Demaree joined CML in 2019, serving in a customer services role at the Dublin Branch. Most recently, he served as Customer Services Manager at the Barnett Branch. Demaree received his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from Kent State University. He lives with his family in Clintonville.

Currently CML’s smallest location, and one of its two “express” branches, the Marion-Franklin Branch did not previously have a dedicated manager. However, a larger, standalone Marion-Franklin Branch is expected to open later this year.

“Darren is a passionate community advocate and public servant,” says CML Chief Public Services Officer Charlie Hansen. “We know he is eager to cut the ribbon on the new branch and introduce Marion-Franklin residents to their new 21st century library.”

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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Losinski, who announced his retirement in April, leaves CML after 22 years as CEO. His last day was Monday, Sept. 30. CML’s Board of Trustees recently announced that Lauren Hagan, CML’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018, has been hired to succeed Losinski as CEO. Her first day in the new role was Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Click here for B-roll from the unveiling, which took place on Losinski’s last day.

Located on the second floor of Main Library, the gallery – formerly known as the Carnegie Gallery – features established and emerging Ohio artists. Supported by the Friends of the Library, it provides an opportunity to experience art in the library’s inclusive, welcoming setting. Exhibits are free to attend. Learn more at columbuslibrary.org/friends.

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has hired Christina Rodriques as Volunteer Services Manager. She begins her new role today, Monday, Sept. 30.

In this role, Rodriques will be responsible for leading the planning, development, administration and evaluation of CML’s volunteer program for the effective recruitment and use of volunteer talents and interns.

Rodriques comes to CML having spent the past 10 years in various roles at Dublin-based OCLC, most recently serving as Senior Program Manager of Member Relations. She also served as an executive board member for the American Library Association from 2021-2024 with her term ending in July. Rodriques received her Master of Library & Information Services (MLIS) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees from Kent State University.

“In 2023, more than 1,600 volunteers worked for nearly 60,000 hours inspiring reading, sharing resources and connecting people throughout our 23 locations,” says CML Chief Customer Experience Officer Charlie Hansen. “We’re eager for Christina to join us and continue the critical and transformational work of our volunteer program.”

The previous Volunteer Services Manager, Sue Wolford, retired in August.

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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“Our search committee and search firm conducted a national search to find CML’s next CEO,” said CML Board of Trustees President Tom Katzenmeyer. “After a rigorous search, Lauren Hagan emerged as the ideal candidate to lead Columbus Metropolitan Library. The board is confident that Lauren, together with the rest of the leadership team, will ensure strong execution of CML’s purpose, and take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead to serve our community.”

The CML Board of Trustees search committee included Tom Katzenmeyer (Chair), President & CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council; Carla Williams-Scott, Senior Manager for Community Outreach and Strategic Partnerships, The Ohio State University’s Kirwin Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity; and Catherine Strauss, Managing Partner, Ice Miller LLP.

The search committee unanimously approved the selection of Hagan. The full CML Board of Trustees is expected to confirm her appointment at its Thursday, Sept. 26 meeting.

Hagan has been CML’s Chief Financial Officer since 2018, providing strategic financial and operational leadership, overseeing a $120 million budget and leading several departments and key functions including Finance, Information Technology and Capital Planning. She has led several key initiatives including the planning and construction of 11 library branch projects and the issuance of $40 million in public debt. Her work also led to an upgrade of CML’s debt rating to Aa1. Most recently, she oversaw extensive financial planning, internal communications, compliance and ballot process efforts for CML’s 2023 continuing levy.

“I’m excited with the Board’s selection of Lauren as the next library CEO,” stated current CEO Patrick Losinski. “Lauren has been a trusted partner who has consistently exemplified the values of our library while driving innovation, operational excellence and the development and mentorship of our employees. She has extensive knowledge of operations, services and the needs of our community. I have every confidence that she will take CML to new heights.”

“I am honored and excited to lead this remarkable community institution,” said Hagan. “Columbus Metropolitan Library has been part of my life since I was a child participating in the Summer Reading Club at the Hilliard Branch, and I am deeply committed to CML’s mission to inspire reading, share resources and connect people. Every day, libraries positively impact our customers’ lives, and I look forward to leading our dedicated team as we innovate to meet our communities’ needs. I am grateful to Pat Losinski for his mentorship, exceptional leadership and the tremendous impact he has had on our community and the library profession. With such a committed staff and leadership team, I will build upon CML’s foundation while bringing new ideas to life for the future.”

Prior to her role at CML, Hagan spent nearly a decade at Loyola University Chicago in various leadership and financial positions, most recently as Senior Associate Vice President of Finance and Controller. Her career began in public accounting with experience in both audit and tax functions.

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has hired Racheal Alcock as Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She began her new role on Monday, Aug. 19.

In this role, Alcock will be responsible for cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment for employees and customers and leading diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across CML’s 23-location system. She will lead CML’s DEI Committee (of which she was previously a member) and continue to serve on its Racial Equity Steering Committee.

Alcock joined CML in 2011, serving in various Youth Services roles at the Parsons, Linden and Driving Park branches. She most recently served as Customer Services Manager in Main Library’s Circulation division.

“Racheal has been a passionate leader in helping to ensure CML remains an inclusive space for all library staff and customers,” says CML Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Anthony Wilson. “We are eager to see her continue to guide these critical efforts in this elevated role.”

Lainie Chase previously held the role of Manager of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion until her departure in April.

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has hired Tiffany N. Inskeep, Ph.D as Director of Safety & Security. She begins her new role today, Monday, Aug. 19.

In this role, Inskeep will be responsible for leading security operations and implementing safety and security measures across CML’s 23-location system. These efforts include loss prevention, establishing safety programs and emergency procedures, assessment and analysis of potential risks, policy and procedure development and vendor management.

Inskeep comes to CML after having served 22 years in Ohio law enforcement, most recently as chief of police for Hocking College in Nelsonville, OH. She holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice/Leadership from Capella University.

“Tiffany’s robust law enforcement experience made her an ideal candidate,” says CML Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer Anthony Wilson. “We know she’ll bring a wealth of leadership and expertise to our Safety & Security division.”

Timothy Brant previously held the role of Director of Safety & Security until his departure in February.

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) CEO Patrick Losinski has announced his retirement after 22 years in the role.

Since 2002, Losinski has led the 23-location library system to:

• Adopt three strategic focuses: Young Minds, My Library and Life Skills
• Implement system-wide School Help Centers to provide after-school support for K-12 students
• Earn Library Journal’s “Library of the Year” honors in 2010 and the Institute of Museum & Library Services’ (IMLS) National Medal in 2011
• Renovate or rebuild 18 of CML’s locations, including its Main Library
• Eliminate overdue fines for borrowed materials
• Welcome nearly 4,000 library professionals from 135 countries to Columbus for the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions’ (IFLA) annual World Library and Information Congress in 2016
• Adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing testing kits, partnering with Battelle for scientific study of the disease on print materials and more
• Speak out against efforts to censor or remove public library materials
• Serve as co-chair of the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition to address the growing digital divide that sees one-in-five households lacking access to broadband internet
• Champion diversity, equity and inclusion – both in CML’s hiring practices and in its programs and partnerships

Prior to joining CML, Losinski served as executive director of Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs. He has worked for public library systems in Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado and Ohio and served on the state library boards in Illinois and Colorado. He served as chair of the Urban Libraries Council and on the Governing Board of IFLA, headquartered in the Hague, Netherlands.

Columbus CEO magazine named him 2015 CEO of the Year in the large non-profit category. He was also awarded the 2017 Regional Leadership Award by the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and in 2018 received Columbus Business First’s C-Suite Awards for Most Admired Executive and Lifetime Achievement.

“Pat’s leadership has not only ensured that Columbus Metropolitan Library is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow, but he’s helped to redefine what a public library can – and should – be in service of its community,” says Tom Katzenmeyer, president of the CML Board of Trustees. “We are immensely grateful to Pat for his remarkable service to the organization, the 23 communities it serves and to the profession.”

CML’s seven-member Board of Trustees will be responsible for hiring a new CEO, a process expected to take several months. Losinski, who will not be involved in this process, will remain in his role until a new CEO is hired.

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has hired Trish Piliado as manager of its Dublin Branch. She officially began her new role on Monday, April 1.

Piliado is new to CML, having most recently served as assistant principal at Cornerstone Academy in the Westerville area. Prior to her time there, she held leadership roles at Columbus City Schools and Vancouver Public Schools in Washington state. She also has extensive public library experience, having served as manager of the Langston Hughes Branch of the Cleveland Public Library and as young adult services coordinator for Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Trish to Columbus Metropolitan Library,” says CML Chief Customer Experience Officer Charlie Hansen. “With her background in education and librarianship, we know she’ll bring an immense passion for community service to Dublin.”

The previous manager of the Dublin Branch, Joe Yersavich, retired in March.

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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COLUMBUS—Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) has hired Eternity Ballour as manager of its Barnett Branch. She officially began her new role on Sunday, March 17.

A Columbus native, Ballour joined CML in 2021, serving in customer and youth services roles at the Martin Luther King and South High branches. Since May 2023, she has served as Youth Services Manager at the Barnett Branch.

“Eternity is a passionate advocate for the young minds in our community,” says CML Chief Customer Experience Officer Charlie Hansen. “She is also a familiar face at Barnett, and we know she is eager to continue serving its families in this new role.”

The previous manager of the Barnett Branch, Malik Moore, left CML last fall. Canal Winchester Branch Manager Keith Hanson, serving as interim manager of the Barnett Branch since that time, now returns to the Canal Winchester Branch full time.

NOTE: Electronic file of headshot available upon request.

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• Tom Katzenmeyer, President & CEO, Greater Columbus Arts Council, as president
• Carla Williams-Scott, Director, Dept. of Neighborhoods, City of Columbus, as vice president
• David White, Senior Vice President of Technology, RTI International, as secretary

The officer positions are elected every year.

CML’s seven-member Board of Trustees is responsible for guiding major decisions about library strategies, policies, services and budget.

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