The West Florida Public Library Board of Governors may have thrown a wrench into Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno’s plans for the next Library Services Director, unanimously recommending a candidate different from the one Moreno selected as interim.
- Background: Long-time Library Services Director Todd Humble retired in November. Deputy Director Christal Bell-Rivera has been the interim director.
Board Picks Vinson
In a formal letter to Assistant County Administrator Debbie Bowers, Board Chair Dr. K. Blaine Wall announced that the Board unanimously recommends Bradley Vinson to lead West Florida Public Libraries — and pointedly reminded county officials of earlier assurances that the process would be collaborative.
- “At recent meetings, the Board heard from citizens who expressed concern that the outcome of the search may have been predetermined,” Wall wrote. “We shared that, at the outset of the process, County Administrator Moreno and other County officials assured us that the County would work collaboratively with the Board to ensure the best candidate was selected. After thorough deliberation, we reaffirm that Ms. Vinson is that candidate.”
Who?
Vinson currently serves as Coordinator of Media Services (Libraries) for the Escambia County School District, overseeing library programs district-wide and managing a combined libraries and textbooks budget of roughly $11 million. Her résumé includes previous work in the West Florida Public Library System—as a cataloging librarian, children’s services coordinator, and circulation clerk — as well as a student librarian role at Florida State University’s Strozier Library.
Qualified: Vinson previously served two terms on the West Florida Public Libraries Board of Governance, including a stint as Chair. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh (2006).
- Beyond her professional credentials, Vinson is embedded in the Pensacola community, serving on the boards of the Panhandle Library Access Network (PLAN), the Pensacola MESS Hall, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Advisory Council, and the Choral Society of Pensacola.
“Throughout the interview process, her commitment to libraries and their role as vital community institutions was evident,” Wall wrote. “The Board is confident that her vision and leadership will position WFPL to continue growing as an essential and valued resource for Escambia County.”
A Backup Choice, Too
Should Vinson decline the offer, the Board named Chris Hare as its secondary recommendation. Hare currently serves as Library Public Services Division Manager for WFPL and brings deep institutional knowledge, including previous roles as branch manager at multiple locations and department head of reference services. He holds a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama (2013).
What Happens Next?
The Board’s recommendation is made pursuant to Article 8, Section 1 of its bylaws, meaning this isn’t an informal suggestion—it carries the weight of the governance structure that oversees the library system.
- The question now is whether County Administrator Moreno will follow the Board’s recommendation or proceed with his own choice. That decision will say a great deal about how county leadership views the role of citizen boards in the hiring of department directors, or are other political dynamics at play?
Stay tuned.
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Bradley is a natural and proven leader, and I sincerely hope she receives the support needed to step into this role. She leads with fairness, calmness, and an openness that builds trust and brings people together. Our county would be incredibly fortunate to have someone of her character, integrity, and steady leadership in this position.
Kudo’s to the West Florida Public Library Board of Governance for standing up to a political bully – County Administrator Wes Moreno. The BCC should investigate his and HR Department Director Nikki Powell’s direct interference in the selection process. Their chosen candidate Christal Bell-Rivera does not meet any of the library director position’s minimum qualifications. Still, likely forced to do so by Mr. Moreno, Ms. Powell told the BOG that Ms. Bell-Rivera was “Qualified and Recommended.” After the January 13 meeting the public pressed one member to explain why she was getting an interview. He said, “Politics.” She bombed the interview on February 2 and was ranked last (4 of 4) on February 3. The board was going to invite the two top candidates for an interview but then Mr. Moreno and Ms. Powell interfered insisting that Ms. Bell-Rivera be interviewed too. She then bombed the “in-person” interview on February 20. On February 23, Ms. Bell-Rivera would not leave when the BOG was going to discuss the candidates. Finally, Assistant County Administrator Wes Hall had to tell her to leave. She left in a huff. “Also,” on August 19, Mr. Moreno forced Library Director Todd Humble to retire under threat of being fired. For what sin the public (and perhaps not the BCC too) has not been told. I have confirmed the story with Mr. Humble and multiple county employees to include a person who works in the HR Department. Ms. Bell-Rivera then called people to very excitedly tell them that Mr. Humble no longer worked for the county and she was now the “Interim” Library Director. How was that possible? She’s only barely qualified to be a Library Clerk. Ms. Bell-Rivera has never actually worked in a library! Also, we need to find out more about the role played by Mr. Moreno and Melanie Luna (a very close friend of Ms. Bell-Rivera and Commissioner Ashley Hofberger’s Legislative Aide). I have uncovered evidence that appears to implicate them in Mayor Reeves’ removal of his library board appointee Lori NeSmith on November 13th, three days after she went man-to-man with Mr. Moreno in a special meeting held on November 10. Ms. NeSmith pushed back on Mr. Moreno’s efforts to politically castrate the Board of Governance charged to oversee the library system. On February 20, Ms. Luna showed up to cheer on her friend Christal during her interview but wasn’t interested in observing the other three interviews. All that said, Bradley Vinson was absolutely amazing. I was there. It really wasn’t even close. If you know a woman named Jennifer Yannuzzi, thank her for your important role inspiring the library board to stand their ground against Mr. Moreno. Ms. Yannuzzi spoke with great passion at a recent BCC meeting and again at the February 23 library board meeting. “She” made the difference.