It has been a fantastic ride. I genuinely enjoy the work I do in the libraries, and if I am being honest, I sometimes kick myself for not realizing sooner the depth of resources, support, and institutional impact our libraries have. The path here was not straight, but the support and growth that I experienced here at Virginia Tech as been thrilling.

As the Director of Organizational Development for the University Libraries, I report directly to the Dean and focus on strengthening the culture, leadership, and overall organizational health of our libraries. My work centers on ensuring that our workplace reflects Virginia Tech’s Principles of Community while equipping employees with the tools and support they need to thrive. I lead initiatives related to organizational development, change management, employee engagement, leadership development, and workforce strategy. That includes supporting onboarding efforts, enhancing recruitment and retention practices, and improving hiring processes in partnership with Human Resources. I also oversee the Resident Librarian Program, helping to build and support early-career professionals as part of our long-term talent strategy. In addition, I lead the Libraries’ Supervisors Group, providing structured development, training, and dialogue for managers to strengthen leadership consistency, accountability, and employee support across units. A large part of my role involves working collaboratively with departments, committees, and individual employees to strengthen communication, accountability, and shared ownership. I monitor trends in higher education and librarianship to ensure we remain proactive and responsive to evolving challenges.

I would say there are three main motivators in my role. First is autonomy. I have the freedom to create, connect, and cultivate initiatives and programs that directly support our employees, students, and patrons. Whether that is leading a supervisors group to provide strategic, localized professional development, running a workforce development program to prepare and strengthen the next generation of librarians, or helping support a food pantry for students in need. I have the space, support, and trust to make it happen. Second is the ability to make a broad impact. Libraries are a cornerstone of any institution. There have been countless moments where I have been able to guide colleagues, students, researchers, and community members to the resources we offer, from checking out emerging technology like drones to one-on-one research consultations to publication support. The reach of our work extends across the university and into the New River Valley, and that impact is meaningful. Third is the spirit of Ut Prosim. Employees at Virginia Tech genuinely embrace service and support. Whenever I have needed collaboration, input, or participation, people have shown up. You are not alone here; people truly want to help and see one another succeed.

Make a connection. Whether that is joining a caucus, participating in a leadership group, attending events at VT, or simply reaching out for coffee—build relationships! Do not be afraid to grow your network. Often, people begin to feel stagnant in their roles not because opportunities do not exist, but because they have not expanded their circle. Connection opens doors, sparks ideas, and creates momentum.

Receiving the Virginia Tech Principles of Community Award stands as one of my greatest achievements, as it affirmed that my work in strengthening culture, care, and shared responsibility is aligned with the broader values of the institution. Beyond that recognition, I have focused on building organizational infrastructure where little previously existed, helping shift organizational development within the Libraries from isolated initiatives to a more strategic and structured function. I also had a pivotal role in elevating the Resident Librarian Program from a local experience to one with broader institutional and national visibility by expanding partnerships, hosting retreats and convenings, and positioning it as a meaningful workforce development pipeline.