Voting is open February 26-March 12.
FLA members, please check your email for the ballot.
You must complete the ballot using the same email address associated with your FLA member account.
Vice-President/President-Elect - Public Library Employee Candidate
Belle Reynoso
 | Belle Reynoso, Director, Lake Wales Public Library Committees: Chair, Awards and Honor Committee Member, Awards and Honor Subcommittee Member, Exhibits and Sponsorship subcommittee Volunteer Information: President, GFWC Junior Woman’s Club With more than 25 years in the library profession, I’ve had the opportunity to work across legal, news, and public library settings, each one shaping how I understand the role libraries play in strengthening communities. My experiences as a law librarian, editorial research librarian, and Assistant Director of a public library have all contributed to a clear, intentional path toward leading a public library system. Since August 2022, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Library Director for the Lake Wales Public Library. This role has deepened my understanding of leadership and the responsibility that comes with guiding a team and serving a community. Completing the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute in 2024 further reinforced the values I center in my work: staying open‑minded, investing in mentoring and coaching, supporting staff and patrons with consistency and care, and being fully present when concerns arise. My interest in serving as Vice President/President‑Elect of the Florida Library Association grows from that foundation. I want to help strengthen the profession that has shaped me and honor the people who make libraries essential and strong. I’ve seen how powerful it is when library workers feel supported and valued, and how quickly our landscape can shift politically, technologically, and socially. FLA plays a critical role in navigating those shifts with clarity and purpose. Serving in this role would be an opportunity to give back and help shape the next chapter of FLA’s story. |
Treasurer Candidate
Dave Whisenant
| Professional Positions Other Accomplishments Professional Statement |
Region Directors Candidates
Region 2
Aurora Arthay
| Aurora Arthay, Deputy Library Director, Palm Beach County Library System I am honored to announce my candidacy for FLA Region 2 Director. My career is defined by a deep commitment to the Florida library community and a proven track record of leadership. Since 2015, I have served as the Deputy Director for the Palm Beach County Library System, following 12 years as an Area Coordinator overseeing multiple branches. Since receiving my MSLIS from the University of Illinois, I have spent thirty years immersed in the work I love. A series of increasingly responsible roles allowed me to understand the "why" behind our mission. From foundational tasks like building collections to executive strategic planning, I have worked on the frontlines and in administration alike—offering a balanced perspective I hope to bring to the FLA Board. As a long-standing FLA member, I currently serve on the Standards Committee and previously contributed to the Intellectual Freedom Committee. These roles provided a practical understanding of the challenges we face and the tools needed to advocate for our evolving libraries. If elected, I will focus on three key initiatives to strengthen Region 2: Engagement: Facilitating regular online meetings and encouraging feedback to ensure member voices are heard year-round. Advocacy: Translating member concerns into concrete board actions. Leadership: Leveraging my executive experience to provide strategic insights that benefit both small and large systems within our region. I am eager to listen, lead, and serve the FLA membership. |
Region 5
Holly Albanese
 | Holly Albanese, Director, Flagler County Public Library
I moved to Florida in 2004 with my family and was hired by Flagler County in 2006. I received a Master of Library and Information Science and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Rhode Island in 2021. I have been Director of the Flagler County Public Library since 2006 and a librarian for more than 23 years. As Director, I oversee a library serving more than 140,000 residents supported by 21.5 staff members. There are two facilities in the Flagler County library system, one in Palm Coast and the new Bunnell Library @ Nexus Center. I have been instrumental in writing successful grants and bringing revenue to the county with the passport service. I have received an award from Flagler County for “Outstanding Service” and an award from NEFLIN for “Member of the Year”. In 2019 I was also given additional responsibilities as the Legislative Liaison for Flagler County, however, my passion and service to libraries continues and I believe I can be a good leader to support the mission and vision of the Florida Library Association and advocate for all libraries in Florida. |
Region 6
Lori O'Gara
 | Lori O’Gara, Library Director, Santa Rosa County Library System Throughout my career, I have dedicated myself to public service across various fields, with a particular focus on fostering community engagement through libraries. For the past 14 years, I have proudly served as a librarian—ten of those years within the Santa Rosa County Library System. During this time, I have held multiple roles, including Librarian, Library Manager, and for the past three years, Library Director. In these positions, I have had the privilege of guiding teams, developing community-centered programs, and advocating for equitable access to information and resources. The Santa Rosa County's commitment statement, “Serving the community, Committed to excellence,” reflects values that have become the cornerstone of my professional approach. Each day, I strive to embody this principle by ensuring that our library remains a trusted, innovative, and inclusive space for all. My interest in serving on the Florida Library Association (FLA) Board stems from a deep belief in the power of collective advocacy and collaboration. I aim to bring the voices, perspectives, and needs of our community—and of librarians across the Florida Panhandle—to the larger statewide conversation. By contributing to the FLA Board, I hope to strengthen the network of library professionals, advance equitable library services across Florida, and ensure that all communities are represented and supported in the evolving landscape of library service |
Linda Oaks
| Linda Oaks, Director of Library Services, Wakulla County Library I am honored to be considered for service on the Florida Library Association Board. My professional and volunteer work has always centered on strengthening Florida communities through libraries, civic engagement, and thoughtful public leadership. I hold a Master of Science in Information from Florida State University and have had the privilege of serving on the Florida Library Association’s Legislative and Advocacy Committee. Through that work, I have collaborated with library leaders across the state to promote policies that protect intellectual freedom, expand access to information, and ensure sustainable funding for libraries in communities both large and small. That experience deepened my understanding of how vital coordinated advocacy is to the future of Florida’s libraries. At the local level, I am actively engaged in community service and public planning efforts in North Florida. I have seen firsthand how libraries serve as anchors supporting students, families, small businesses, job seekers, and seniors. In rural communities especially, libraries are not simply buildings; they are gathering places, technology hubs, and lifelines for opportunity. My background in information science, public administration, and community leadership allows me to bridge practice and policy. I believe strongly in collaborative leadership, transparent governance, and ensuring that every Floridian regardless of geography has access to strong, well-supported library services. I would be honored to continue serving Florida’s libraries by contributing my experience, advocacy skills, and deep commitment to community-centered service on the FLA |
ALA Councilor Candidates
Rebecca Campbell
 | Rebecca Campbell, Library Director, City of Tavares Public Library Qualifications: I am excited to seek the position of ALA Councilor representing the Florida Library Association. With over 20 years of library experience, from children’s services to adult reference, community outreach, and library leadership, I bring both hands-on and administrative perspectives to this role. I am especially enthusiastic about taking on my first official role with FLA and contributing more directly to our state’s dynamic and dedicated library community. I spent 15½ wonderful years at the Boston Public Library, serving as a children’s librarian, adult reference librarian, community outreach librarian, and programs librarian. Since 2019, I have had the privilege of leading the City of Tavares Public Library as its Director. I also enjoy serving as a judge for the Florida Book Awards (Florida Nonfiction category). As your ALA Councilor, I will bring clarity, transparency, and a strong voice for Florida libraries. I will remain committed to keeping FLA informed about Council actions and emerging issues. My mission as a career librarian is to lead with care, listen with intention, and collaborate with others to ensure Florida’s libraries thrive as welcoming, vital centers for our communities. |
Amy Jones
| Amy Jones, Library Director, Osceola Library System Qualifications: As a teenager, Amy Jones aspired to become a journalist. As the high school newspaper editor, she sought opportunities to tell stories, investigate issues, and explore ideas in depth. That passion continued at Florida State University, where she worked for the college newspaper while earning a bachelor’s degree in English. As she refined her writing skills and watched determined reporters chase stories, she realized her true calling was not simply uncovering information but transforming it into something accessible, engaging, and meaningful. By pulling together her love of knowledge-sharing, literature, and research, she found FSU’s master’s program in Library and Information Science to be the perfect fit. Amy joined the Osceola Library System just as they opened a new headquarters library, an early symbol of growth and possibility in her career. Over the last 32 years, she has experienced every facet of public librarianship. She began as a Reference Librarian when the Internet was first introduced as a public service, guiding patrons through a rapidly evolving information landscape. She later advanced through multiple management roles, developing expertise in staff development, mentorship, advocacy, communication, project management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. For the past eight years, she has served as Library Director, where these skills have defined her leadership. Throughout her career, Amy has remained committed to service, ensuring staff have the information, training, safety, and support needed to serve their communities effectively. She will bring that same dedication, integrity, and results-driven leadership to her role with the Florida Library Association Board. |
