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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