The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation (AFPLF), a nonprofit that provides funding for the Fulton County Library System, has announced significant updates to its board of directors, including new leadership and several fresh-faced board members.
Stepping into the board chair role is Jeff Steely (Dean of Libraries at Georgia State University), while Michelle Taylor Willis (award-winning media executive and personality) has been appointed vice-chair.
Steely and Willis replace the former chair and vice-chair, previously held by J. DeLano Ford and Tim Pakenham, respectively.
“As individuals, our board members are passionate about literacy. As a collective board of directors, we are committed to the Library Foundation’s values to advance equal access and opportunity, lifelong learning, collaboration and innovation for the entire Fulton County community,” said Willis.
In addition to the appointments of Steely and Willis, AFPLF also welcomed five new board members, including Jacqueline Edwards (executive director at the Center for New Data), Jessica Gellerstedt (longtime educator and literacy advocate), Beverly Rice (retired educator and founder of RICE Inc.), Blythe Keeler Robinson (president and CEO of Sheltering Arms Early Education and Family Centers) and Matt Westmoreland (Atlanta City Council member and former teacher).
Steely shared his excitement about the board’s future plans, especially with the additions of the new members to the team.
“2024 was a year of reinvention and reimagining for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation,” said Steely. “We developed a strategic plan for 2025-29 that charts a course for growth and impact on one of our most valuable shared community resources – our public library system. Our existing board roster was incredibly strong, and these new members add a range of backgrounds and skill sets that will help us realize that strategic vision together.”
AFPLF also announced a number of volunteers that are leaving the nonprofit, on account of their tenures ending.
Among the volunteers departing are Kayron Bearden, Nina Radakovich, Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel and Ken Zeff — although, AFPLF said that several of them will transition to the organization’s emeritus board.
“Our board of directors is the cornerstone of our stability and success,” said Erin Dreiling, executive director of AFPLF. “For years, these volunteers have shared their time and expertise with the Library Foundation to support our library. Without their skills, focus and active governance, we could not have evolved to be the organization we are today. We thank them for their many contributions during their time with us.”
