Paris, Tenn.–W.G. Rhea Library Director Kathy Collins is one of 21 local library directors from across Tennessee who earned their Public Library Management Certification at the just-completed 2023 Public Library Management Institute.
Other area library directors earning their certification are: Carolina Conner of the Obion County Library; Deena Smith, Sharon Public Library; and Gracie Armstrong, Stewart County Public Library.
The certification took three years of coursework and a project to complete. The program is sponsored by the Tennessee Library and Archives and the directors were recognized by Secretary of State Tre Hargett.
“The Public Library Management Institute is an excellent opportunity for library professionals to continue learning new skills,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “Congratulations to this year’s graduates.”
The full list of the 2023 program graduates is:
- Gracie Armstrong – Stewart County Public Library, Stewart County
- Mindy Barrett – Myrtle Glanton Lord Library, Rutherford County
- Logan Birdsong – Caryville Public Library, Campbell County
- John Blankenship – Humboldt Public Library, Gibson County
- Vanessa Cain – McIver’s Grant Public Library, Dyer County
- Kathy Collins – WG Rhea Public Library, Henry County
- Donna Conatser – Fentress County Public Library, Fentress County
- Carolina Conner – Obion County Public Library, Obion County
- Garrett Crowell – Linebaugh Library, Rutherford County
- Peyton Eastman – EG Fisher Public Library, McMinn County
- Nan Garrett – Lobelville Public Library, Perry County
- Lis Ann Greiner – Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library, Bedford County
- Matthew Krist – Baxter Branch Library, Putnam County
- Nakienya Ledford – Tellico Plains Public Library, Monroe County
- Judy Luster – Meigs-Decatur Public Library, Meigs County
- Lon Maxwell – Bethesda Public Library, Williamson County
- Sarah Beth Phillips – White Pine Public Library, Jefferson County
- Tania Rich – Sweetwater Public Library, Monroe County
- Deena Smith – Sharon Public Library, Weakly County
- Nancy Turner – Sullivan County Public Library, Sullivan County
- Mitzi Willis – Newbern City Library, Dyer County
The Public Library Management Institute provides professionals who have moved into library director roles as a second or third career with library management skills training. Participants attend three five-day workshops and receive continuing management, leadership and partnership skills education.