GILLETTE, Wyo. — John Jackson has been hired as the new Campbell County Public Library System executive director.
Jackson has been director of the Foley Public Library in Foley, Alabama, for nearly 10 years following eight years as director of the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History, according to a Campbell County news release. Baldwin County Department of Archives and History is also in Alabama.
“This combined experience has garnered John extensive knowledge in staffing, budgets, policy development, and building relationships with stakeholders,” the release said. “John’s proven history allows him to bring a positive approach to managing day-to-day library operations and expanding the library’s role in the community.”
The board voted 4–1 in favor of Jackson in a meeting Sept. 28. Board member Chelsie Collier voted against hiring him. She did not say why.
Campbell County Human Resources Executive Director Brandy Elder, whom the library board appointed interim director, said Sept. 28 that Jackson has a master’s degree in history and a master’s degree in library and information studies.
Elder said that aside from herself, 10 staff members and four board members were on the hiring committee. The staff and all board members unanimously approved him to go to the second interview. The staff Elder selected for the hiring committee were a mixture of managers and hourly employees. There was also an individual from Wright. Staff on the committee ranged on their beliefs regarding library issues.
Jackson demonstrated his knowledge of public libraries, business and personnel management to the Campbell County library staff and the library board, the release said. The official start date for John to begin his role is not yet established as he is relocating to the area.
At the board’s Sept. 25 meeting, Elder said the board had received 11 applications and interviewed five individuals for the executive director position. The board appointed Elder after firing Terri Lesley.
