Muskingum County Library Director Elected Chair of Ohio Library Council Board

Today, the Ohio Library Council's Board of Directors held its first meeting of the new year and is pleased to announce that Stacey Russell, CPA, CPFO, Executive Director of Muskingum County Library System, will serve as Chair of its Board of Directors in 2026.

“Stacey is a proven leader who understands both the operational realities and the transformative impact of public libraries,” said Michelle Francis, Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council. “She steps into this role at a critical time, as our libraries face a decrease in state funding, rising costs, and growing community needs. Stacey’s extensive experience in library administration and fiscal management will be invaluable as we address the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Also elected to serve as officers of the Ohio Library Council Board are William Rutger, Executive Director of the Sandusky Library, as Chair-Elect, and Travis Bautz, Executive Director of the MidPointe Library System, as Secretary-Treasurer. All officers will serve one-year terms.

The board also welcomed newly elected members:

• Cindy Lombardo, Trustee of the Peninsula Library & Historical Society
• Susan Titkemeier, Information and Technical Services Manager, Marion Public Library

Returning board members for 2026 include:

• Kathy Bach, Public Services Director, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
• Monica Baughman, Director of Support Services, Worthington Libraries
• Julianne Bedel, Executive Director, Medina County District Library
• Kim DeNero-Ackroyd, Deputy Director, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library        
• Elizabeth Muether, Director/Fiscal Officer, Mercer County District Library
• Bernie Rochford, Trustee, Akron-Summit County Public Library
• Sandra Hedlund Tunnell, Trustee, Ashland Public Library