Meet the 2010 / 2011 Board of Directors

Click on a board member's name to view his or her individual introduction, or scroll down to view all board member introductions.

Phyllis Lilley, PBCLA President
Laura Brenkus, PBCLA President-Elect
Ethan J. Allen, PBCLA Past President
Cathy Scheid, PBCLA Treasurer
Lyn LaVigne, PBCLA Secretary
Craig Clark, Director (Public Libraries
Cynthia Cobb, Director (Public Libraries)
Hollyanne Ruffner, Director (Public Schools)
Liz Locke, Director (At Large)
Leah Plocharzyk, Director (Academic)
Maria Treadwell, Director (Academic)

Phyllis Lilley, President: "There are times I still feel strong ties to Connecticut where I was born and raised. My B.S. degree in early childhood education is from Eastern Connecticut State University. After coming back from a teaching assignment in Australia, I went to Library School at Southern Connecticut University. Ironically, my high school librarian discouraged me from entering such a career; it would be interesting to know why. I wonder if she thought the field would not be good for me or I would not be good for the field. I began my library career at the Belle Glade Municipal Library in 1978 as the Children’s Librarian. One week after starting, the Library’s Director resigned and I accepted those duties as well. In 1986 Palm Beach County Library System assumed the responsibility for providing library service to the people of Belle Glade by taking over the operation of the Belle Glade Municipal Library. In 1989 the County Library also acquired the Pahokee Library and in 1992 Palm Beach County built a new branch for the residents of South Bay. I assumed the management of both these branches. Life does not move at great speed in the Glades, but I have been here long enough to see positive changes. The job has had both its challenges and its rewards. In addition to my PBCLA Board involvement which began in 2006, I am also a Board member for the Glades HIPPY, Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters program, Secretary for the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Board, and am Deputy Coordinator for the Glades Emergency Operations Area. My free time the last three years has been spent in travels to Egypt. I have been very fortunate to have a family connection that has allowed me an opportunity to visit three times, with a fourth trip being planned. Egypt is an amazing place." Return to the top.
 

Laura Brenkus, President-elect:  “Having recently concluded a two week vacation in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. I truly anticipated resuming my activities in the library world. Since we can remain connected via the Internet, I was never far away from my position as Director of the King Library at the Society of the Four Arts in Palm Beach. And, I was able to conduct the first session of class in the summer session of graduate school for Florida State University, where I teach as an adjunct professor for the College of Communication and Information.  We truly operate in a connected world in which librarians can lead in communicating and facilitating the treasures to be found in this growing information environment. I spent 25 years in hospitality and retail (movie theaters and restaurants) before employing my B.A. in English Literature by changing careers and finally working in the library field.  I have never looked back!  What an exciting and dynamic environment!  I hope to bring to the organization a fresh perspective and an appreciation for tradition. I look forward to supporting the efforts of PBCLA and all librarians as we continue to grow in this new information age. I currently live in the West Palm Beach area, where I have been for 27 years. The King Library is my home base and all are encouraged to visit our unique facility.” Return to the top.
 

Ethan Allen, Past President: Ethan’s original hometown is Northbrook, Illinois, but he has lived in Palm Beach County for the last 27 years. He has worked in secondary education, both for the School District and Cardinal Newman High School, with a long period of employment in the document imaging industry. He is currently employed in the position of Library Director at Florida Atlantic University’s John D. MacArthur Campus in Jupiter, having begun his career at FAU Libraries in 1995 as a senior library technical assistant. He holds graduate degrees in library science and liturgical theology. In addition to his “day job”, he is a devoted volunteer, now entering his 14 th year at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary Library, where he serves as acting archivist. Further, he assists the Catechetical Media Center of the Diocese of Palm Beach with the cataloging of their holdings. Most notably, in 2001, he embarked on a long term project to establish a new library for the Benedictine monks at Norcia, Italy. To date, about one third of their collection is cataloged. His favorite hobby is family history: “The best part of working on a family tree is when you reach the point of making contact with a newly found relative.” Return to the top.
 

Cathy Scheid, Treasurer:  Cathy Scheid serves as the Treasurer of PBCLA and is also the Membership Committee Chair. Cathy earned her Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of Texas in 2001 but her library experience goes back to middle school, where she volunteered typing up catalog cards. Her small town librarians helped to instill a love of learning and a respect for libraries that would lead to a career in the field. She worked at the Jupiter campus of Florida Atlantic University, served as the Director of Records Management and Subrogation at the Health Care District of PBC, and was the Director of Library Services for Everglades University in Boca Raton. Cathy is currently the Grant Librarian at the Junior League of Boca Raton's Vegso Community Resource Center.  Return to the top.
 

Lyn LaVigne, Secretary:  “Currently, I serve as the Instruction Librarian at the FAU Boca Campus.   I am a 2008 graduate of the USF MLIS program.  My background includes three MA degrees.  While living in Denver I earned an MA in gifted/talented education and upon moving to Indianapolis I used that degree in my work as a consultant for the Indiana Department of Education.   Enjoying teaching and learning as much as I do, my arrival at FAU in 1998 inspired me to earn a degree in my undergrad field , US History,  while working in the library part time. I discovered a love for librarianship, which led me to my MLIS, and an appreciation for a career that encourages me to use all of my interests in productive and creative ways.  I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to teach full time and to occasionally spend time in special collections working on historical research.  In addition to teaching library instruction classes to undergrad and graduate students, I also coordinate and keep the statistics for our FAU Boca instruction program. I have been fortunate to serve on several community boards, including past president of the Indiana Association for Gifted and vice president of FLAG, the Florida Association for Gifted. I also chaired the National Association for Gifted Children conference.  Currently I am enjoying working on the 2010 SEFLIN Conference, “Libtech 2010-Services on a Shoestring” to be held at the Koven Center on July 22. I also teach a Strategies for Learning Success class for entering freshmen in the Living Learning Communities on the Boca campus. Florida has definitely been good for my golf game! That and my family in the Midwest are my biggest interests outside the library.”  Return to the top.
 

Craig Clark, Director, Public Libraries:  “I am currently the Library Director of the Boynton Beach City Library located in Southern Palm Beach County.  I have been with the Library since 2004. I previously held positions with the St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis, Missouri and the Macomb County Library in Clinton Township, Michigan.  My professional library career has spanned over 16 years.  I completed my library education at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan receiving an MLIS.  I also hold a BBA in Business Management from Northwood University, Midland, Michigan. I am a current member of ALA, LLAMA, PLA, FLA & Palm Beach County Library Association.”  Return to the top.
 

Cynthia Cobb, Director, Public Libraries: "Over the past 20 years, I have enjoyed the experiences of working to accomplish new and renovated library construction projects.  I have also acquired an interest in the global expansion of library services in South American countries; specifically, the work involved with improving School Libraries in these countries."
Background:    Miami, Florida, native.  Educated:  Dade County Public Schools (Miami Northwestern Senior High) – Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (B.S. Library Media Specialization) – Clark Atlanta University (M.L.S. Library Services)

Professional positions:  Riviera Beach Public Library, Director; Lee County(FL) Library System, Director; Cumberland County & Information Center(NC) Head of Extension Services;  Atlanta- Fulton Public Library- Branch Manager, Adult Services and Children’s Librarian

Professional involvement:  American Library Association (member)  1972- present ; Palm Beach County Library Association(member)2009-present;  Former, Georgia Library Association (member)   North Carolina Library Association (member and Roundtable Chair) Florida Library Association (member) and OCLC members Council. Current member:  ALA Council Committee on Organization (2010-2012)

Interests:   Project management, volunteering my time and resources where the need is greater! Return to the top.
 

Liz Locke, Director, At Large:  After 5 years as librarian at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s Vegso Community Resource Center, I now work as a full-time consultant to nonprofit organizations and small businesses, primarily in the areas of prospect research and fund development, staff development and training, and using new technologies to reach and engage users.  I am originally from Vermont and Maine and have been living in South Florida since 1990. I graduated from the University of Maine with a degree in Communications and after several years and careers earned my Masters in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida in 1999. As a student, I did an internship at the University of Miami in Special Collections, and upon graduation, started working in Special Collections at FAU in Boca Raton, working on the Florida Heritage Project (now part of the PALMM Collection), and in the Arthur and Mata Jaffe Collection for Books as Aesthetic Objects. I live in Boca Raton with my husband, beagle and cat. I have three grown children and my interests include quilting, genealogy, reading, and going to the movies. Return to the top.
 

Leah Plocharzyk, Director, Academic Libraries:  “I have a B.A. in Sociology from DePauw University in Greencastle, IN and a M.A. in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). I recently graduated in August 2007 with my MLS degree from the University of South Florida. While working toward my graduate degrees in both Sociology and Library and Information Science, I worked full time in Access Services at FAU for 6 years. I worked 3 years as the Reserve Coordinator and handled all electronic and print faculty requests. Upon graduation, I transferred to the downtown Ft. Lauderdale FAU campus where I currently work as the Broward Library Services Coordinator. I give bibliographic instruction to faculty and students and serve as the liaison for FAU’s joint use facility at Broward Main Public Library. Time permitting, I have written book reviews and published a few articles for the Journal of Access Services. I am a member of the American Library Association (ALA), Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), serve on the membership committee of Anthropology and Sociology Section (ANSS) of the Association of College and Research Libraries, Association of Architecture School Librarians (AASL), Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS/NA), Palm Beach County Library Association, Broward County Library Association, and on the Broward County Friends of the Library Board.” Return to the top.
 

Hollyanne Ruffner, Director, School Libraries:  Hollyanne Ruffner has been a school library media specialist for 16 years. She is active in local and state professional associations of library media specialists. She is also a member of the newly formed National Council on Digital Citizenship and Creative Content. She is the Ask a Librarian site administrator for the School District of Palm Beach County with nearly 200 school media centers. Before becoming a media specialist, Hollyanne taught students in grades Pre-K through 11th in both private and public schools. Currently she is a Specialist in the Instructional Materials and Library Media Services Department in her district where she oversees a Professional Research Library and creates both face-to face and online training for library media specialists.  Return to the top.


Maria Treadwell, Director, Academic Libraries:  Maria's interest in libraries was sparked as a small child when her mother would take her to the weekly storytelling sessions at her local branch library. That interest was further increased when, as a high school freshman, she was given the opportunity to work as a student assistant in her school library. It was those years in the high school library that shaped her decision for a career in the library profession. A graduate of the then ALA accredited program at Western Michigan University, Maria's professional career has included experience in public, school, and academic libraries. After 32 years with Florida Atlantic University Libraries, Maria left her position to accept the full-time post of Assistant Director for the East Coast program for the University of South Florida's School of Library & Information Science. Return to the top.