“He is energetic, a well-qualified and progressive administrator, has a strong desire to be actively involved in our communities, examines options carefully, and he has an excellent understanding of the need for strategic planning for public libraries,” said Cheryl Young, Lane board president.
Greenward’s annual salary will be $92,000. Job duties include financial and budgetary management; strategic and future planning; technological development; supervision of management staff; and networking with local and state elected officials.
Carol Bowling, Hamilton branch manager, has been serving as interim director since April when Mary Pat Essman retired after 28 years.
“It’s very hard to replace Mary Pat Essman but we feel Mr. Greenward will be able to give the library excellent direction,” said Spencer August, board member. “He’s very community-oriented and will greatly assist the library in participating in community events and outreach.”
Carrie Mancuso, public relations manager, said Jerry Stepp, of Stepp Associates in Cincinnati, led the search and recommended four candidates to the search committee — comprised of three library board members, two community members, and a staff representative.
August said Greenward’s extensive knowledge of libraries and new technology also made him a standout candidate.
Greenward will be based out of the Lane Administration Center, 1396 University Blvd. in Hamilton, but Mancuso said he will travel to all three locations in Hamilton, Fairfield and Oxford.
Greenward said before Dayton, he worked at the New York Public Library, and that his first experience working in a library was during his undergraduate studies at Miami University.
Greenward said he will focus on the library’s need for a strategic plan, which begins with community engagement. “Communicating with the community and taking into account their vision,” Greenward said. “Work in direct response from the community and not just starting programs and hoping there’s a need for it.”
Greenward said he was attracted to job because of the long-standing tradition of the Lane Public Libraries and great community support.
Marsha Kemper of Ross Twp. said Greenward’s idea for more community engagement would benefit patrons.
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