Gail Parsons will be the new director of the
Traverse Area District Library, according to an announcement from the library board.
Parsons had been serving as the interim director since May of last year, during former library director Metta Lansdale's medical leave. Lansdale retired officially in January after five years as director, according to the library.
Before moving to the area, Parsons worked at the Public Libraries of Saginaw for 26 years, moving up to be the head of Hoyt Main Library. She earned a bachelor's degree at Central Michigan University and a master's degree in library and information science at Wayne State University. She also has served as treasurer, board member and state library board liaison at various times for the Michigan Library Association.
She first joined Traverse Area District Library as its business manager in 2008, and later became the assistant director for human resources and finance. In her new official role, she will oversee library operations, work with the board to manage the budget, and guide the direction of the library.
"My fellow board members and I have been more than pleased with the performance of the administrative and library staff under the interim directorship of Gail Parsons," says library board president Jason Gillman. "We're very happy for Gail and looking forward to the continuation of quality library services under her leadership."
Writer: Kim Eggleston
Source: Traverse Area District Library
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