| Meet the Candidates |
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MEET THE CANDIDATES
Only current NJLA members are eligible to vote. Emails with the ballot link and login details have been sent to the email address associated with your NJLA member account. Vote now Lorraine Ruiz
As the Library Director for the Kenilworth Free Public Library, I am passionate about fostering a love for learning. With over 15 years of experience in library management, I am committed to enhancing access to information and resources, creating welcoming and inclusive spaces, and empowering patrons of all ages to unlock the transformative power of knowledge. I take pride in empowering my team to reach their full potential by fostering a supportive and collaborative work culture. By providing opportunities for professional growth, encouraging open communication, and recognizing contributions, I believe in nurturing a team dedicated to serving the community and inspired to excel in their roles. I believe my candidacy can make a significant positive difference for NJLA by bringing my extensive experience, passion for learning, and commitment to inclusivity to the forefront. Here are a few ways I can make an impact:
Megan Kociolek
Looking ahead, I’m excited for the 2026 joint conference with school librarians, which marks a significant change for our organization. Change is a constant, and it impacts our work in profound ways, from navigating censorship to adapting to new technologies like AI. I’m eager to collaborate with the executive board and the NJLA team to address these challenges and ensure that our members have the support they need in a rapidly changing landscape. As President, I will be an active listener and advocate for everyone in our organization. My candidacy will bring a fresh perspective to NJLA, helping to strengthen our community and expand our impact. By focusing on inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation, I aim to empower all members to thrive in their roles and ensure that NJLA continues to evolve as a leading voice for libraries across New Jersey.
Adele Puccio
I am running for 1st Vice President/President Elect of NJLA because I believe in giving back to the profession that has given me so much. I am eager to guide the organization through the complex challenges we face, including: an uncertain future due to the political climate; stable funding; and a greater emphasis on rebuilding infrastructure for our libraries. I feel I would be able to address these things by strengthening both internal and external relationships with stakeholders, promoting positive public relations, and continuing the EDI initiatives which enhance our profession. It is important to me that everyone feels welcome. Working collaboratively helps foster understanding so I'm always volunteering to rep the library profession whenever possible. Over the years we have had to adapt to different challenges from funding cuts to navigating the pandemic, and we’ve done so with finesse. I'd like to harness that adaptability to help move NJLA forward with a balance of professionalism, fun and understanding. Volunteerism is central in my life and if you know me you know that I definitely think outside of the box. I have served on many NJLA committees including Urban Libraries, Scholarship and Administration and Management. You’ll always find me at the Conference at the Urban Libraries collection table for Covenant House. I'm also an active member of various BCCLS committees, my Rotary Club and the local humane society.
Rosy Wagner
I care deeply about this profession and about NJLA. I believe libraries and library staff change lives every day, and we are stronger because of the collaboration and encouragement we share with each other. My NJLA experience includes four years on the Young Adult Services Section board, where I enjoyed helping run the Garden State Teen Book Awards and connecting with colleagues from all over New Jersey through resource sharing and professional development. I’ve also spent two years as Secretary for the Executive Board, learning up-close about the way the organization is run and getting to participate in amazing efforts to enhance its impact. If elected I would prioritize building stronger connections between members and the Association, and seek new opportunities to provide much-needed support to library workers in a time when so many of us are facing the effects of burnout. Because this Association has facilitated so much for me I want to highlight the value of what NJLA offers New Jersey libraries while helping to build more pathways for members to engage. As libraries are public service institutions grounded in information literacy and access, the future of library work might feel uncertain, but library workers still show up every day to do their jobs and do them well. I hope to return some of that energy to the people that make libraries great.
Dana Vocht
Melody Scagnelli-Townley
Emily Mazzoni
Kiana Kirby Hi, my name is Kiana Kirby and I'm running for the NJLA ALA Liaison. I've been working in libraries since 2017 and I'm currently Head of Technology & Technical Services at Westfield Memorial Library. I am passionate about advocating for all library workers and seeking and implementing better resources and initiatives to support all library workers in NJ. As a young, Black librarian as well as someone who has worked in different libraries across the state and has heard and understood the concerns and voices of library staff and those in various communities, I can help add a new lens and perspective to the NJLA executive board. I am running for ALA Liaison on NJLA’s Executive Board to work towards ensuring that NJLA's interests are represented and heard and keep us aware of and connected to actions, issues and concerns regarding ALA.
Chip McAuley
My NJLA experience includes serving as Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Subcommittee and, currently, as a member of the Public Policy Committee. My ALA experience includes being Chair of the Information Technology Advisory Committee (ITAC) and member of the Publishing Committee. My vision is simple: to fight for the right to read, to be a voice for those who have no choice, to end the digital divide in our state, to increase funding for libraries and be one of NJLA's voices showing the critical role of libraries in our state and country, making sure that NJLA continues to stand firm against all forms of injustice. I humbly ask for your vote.
Eleni Glykis Eleni Glykis is a proud graduate of the Rutgers School of Communication and Information who has spent her career making libraries vibrant, equitable, and a little more fun. Currently the Director of the Red Bank Public Library—and soon stepping into the Director role at the Elizabeth Public Library—she’s passionate about creating library spaces that are dynamic, inclusive, and deeply connected to their communities. Eleni is committed to ensuring libraries remain vibrant and equitable spaces for all. She serves on the Executive Board of the STELLA Consortium, is the past President of NJLA's Urban Libraries Section, and currently serves as a Member-at-Large for NJLA. Her work focuses on championing intellectual freedom, advocating for patron privacy, expanding Spanish-language services, and promoting public policies that make libraries accessible and relevant. When she's not shaping library services, Eleni channels her creativity into her home life—crafting LEGO hair salons and spinning epic Barbie novellas with her seven-year-old daughter, because storytelling is a lifelong art. In her downtime, she enjoys baking, crafting, and singing, whether it’s leading the best covers of Mitropanos, Pyx Lax, and Aventura or backing up her daughter’s lively Dua Lipa performances.
Lynnette Fucci Lynnette Fucci graduated with her M.L.I.S and B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University. She is currently the Head of Youth Services at the Monroe Township Public Library. With 25 years of library experience, her passions include libraries, community engagement & programming. Lynnette is active in the New Jersey Library Association, serving on the Executive Board and a two-time past President of CSS. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, working out & spending time with her family and friends and her fur-ever puppy, Ellie Mae.
Yomi Forsh-Hamilton MLIS student at St. John’s University in New York. Currently Library Associate-Programs and Outreach at Hillside Public Library in Union County. I am entering the LIS field after almost 15 years in healthcare. As a student currently enrolled in a LIS program I can add value to the Executive Board by bringing the perspective of a library worker who is new to the field and has a wealth of non-profit leadership experience and knowledge. I am currently the president of a chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. that serves the communities of Middlesex and Somerset Counties and P.E.A.R.L.S., Inc. I am a 20-year resident of Warren County, originally from Brooklyn, NY and was raised in the Brooklyn Public Library. I possess a B.A. with a major of English Literature. My personal philosophy of librarianship is defined by social justice advocacy, equity in information accessibility, and protecting the right of individual autonomy and privacy for all patrons. I am interested in learning more about how libraries operate and serving on a technology subcommittee where I can learn more about the creation and use of metadata and the evolution of LIS as technology advances. In addition, I stay current with legislation affecting libraries and access like the Freedom to Read Act that was just passed by the NJ State Senate.
Maria Deptula Maria Deptula has broad experience in academic, special, and public libraries. She earned her MLIS degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, and an MA in History and Archives from John Paul II Catholic University in Lublin, Poland. Maria currently serves as Collection Librarian at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences Libraries (RBHS) at Rutgers University. She was previously employed at Berkeley College as Library Director and Director of Library Digital Services. Before becoming a librarian, Maria was an archivist and historical researcher at the College of Staten Island and the American Bible Society. Maria has also been working part-time as a Reference Librarian at the Ringwood Public Library since 2006.Maria has been an active member of the ALA-ACRL Distance and Online Learning and Digital Scholarship Sections. She currently serves as the NJAL - NJLA Academic Librarians Section President. She represents NJAL at the New Jersey Federation of Library Organizations. Previously, she chaired the Reference Services, Technology and Innovation, and Marketing and Outreach Committees of the NJLA-CUS ACRL-NJ.
Nicole Potdevin
Sai Rao
After long advocating for the expansion of the library and its services to better support the needs of my sprawling community, I was proud to open our Kennedy Branch in downtown North Bergen in 2013. The overwhelming popularity of the branch led to its expansion and relocation in 2022 in collaboration with the North Bergen Recreation Department. In partnership with the neighboring township of Guttenberg, the library opened its third branch in 2018. Once again, the success of the location led to a renovation that more than tripled its size in 2020.Today, in addition to being the Executive Director of the three branches of the North Bergen Public Library, I also serve as the President of the Hudson County Library Director’s Association and the President of the North Bergen Board of Education. I am also involved in a number of local organizations and committees including the BCCLS Strategic Planning Committee, Scholarship Committee as well as the local hospital board and a non-profit organization board .I am proud to have seen my library transform over the years into an inclusive and popular community hub with programs and services that support a wide array of ages, abilities, and interests. We always strive to mitigate health disparities, support early literacy, address the digital divide, combat unemployment, and more, equipping our citizens with necessary tools to navigate a diverse number of opportunities and challenges. After 33 years of passionate public library service, I believe more than ever in the power of cultivating strong local partnerships towards the goal of meeting the needs of all patrons. Collaboration is key and it is with this person-centered approach that I aspire to support the NJLA through its challenges and successes.
Rebecca Ward My goal is to strengthen the library profession by promoting inclusivity, expanding career opportunities, and furthering relationships with community partners to engage and empower underserved communities. As a Library Assistant with an expected MLS graduation in May 2025, I’d advocate for NJLA to create opportunities for new members and non-MLIS library staff. Also as a bilingual staff member working in a largely Spanish speaking community, I understand the importance of giving staff the resources and training to better support diverse and underserved communities. After my library unexpectedly closed in Oct 2023 due to asbestos, there was a huge need to pivot to extensive outreach efforts in order to continue meeting the needs of the community and fostering relationships with community partners to further support the library.
Alyssa Titus
Kathleen Moeller-Peiffer Currently I am the President of the newly formed Retired Members Section of NJLA, where we have Zoom presentations on topics of interest to the group as well as an NJLA conference program in 2024 entitled "Ready, Set, Retire?". I believe that retired members of the profession have both the time and expertise to support currently working librarians in their advocacy efforts as they continue to provide superior information to their communities during difficult times.
Laura Giacobbe
I am seeking a position on the NJLA board to further my commitment to supporting and uplifting New Jersey’s library community. My priorities include advocating for inclusion and equity for BIPOC individuals, expanding professional development opportunities for library workers, and fostering innovation to meet the evolving needs of our communities. I believe the underrepresentation of marginalized groups is a critical challenge that must be addressed to ensure libraries are inclusive and equitable spaces. With my experience and dedication to collaboration, I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully to strengthening NJLA’s impact across the state.
Muhammad Hassan
Under Dr. Hassan’s leadership and through the dedicated efforts of the entire team, we have achieved national recognition, earning the Insight Into Diversity magazine 2025 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award, a testament to our commitment to fostering inclusive education and reducing equity gaps. An advocate for lifelong learning and collaboration, Dr. Hassan with his team has transformed traditional library services into a 21st-century learning environment. Dr. Hassan is passionate about fostering partnerships and engaging communities to drive meaningful change. |
Vice President / President-Elect 
I have had a remarkable career in public libraries, spanning over 30 years. I began my journey at the New York Public Library as a Page and have since held various positions, including Library Clerk, Senior Librarian, Library Manager, Chief Librarian, and Associate Director for 13 libraries in the Staten Island Network. I became the first Hispanic woman to be Chief Librarian in Staten Island. In 2018, I became the Library Director for the Kenilworth Free Public Library. From 2019 to 2024, I served as Vice-President on the Executive Board for the Libraries of Union County Consortium (LUCC). I also chaired the NJLA’s Personnel Administration Committee from 2021 to 2022 and served as Member at Large for the Small Libraries section from 2022-2024. Since 2023, I have been serving as the Secretary for the Library Workers of Color (LWOC) section and am serving as Member at Large for the Diversity & Outreach section from 2024-2025. In 2025, I was elected President of the Executive Board for LUCC.I am a member of ALA, BCALA, PLA, and REFORMA. I hold a Bachelor of Business Administration from Baruch College and a Master of Information and Library Science from Pratt Institute.
I became a librarian because I believe in helping others. Service is at the core of who I am, and I’m convinced that small actions can spark larger positive change. I am running for NJLA President to serve the broader New Jersey community of librarians and residents. Building on Jeff Cupo’s "Unsung Libraries" program, I want to shift the focus to the unsung heroes of our field: library staff. By highlighting the diverse voices within our community, I aim to weave the stories of librarians and library workers into the fabric of NJLA throughout the year. My commitment is to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.
I earned my MLIS from Rutgers University in 1994 and currently serve as Director of the Maurice M. Pine Library in Fair Lawn. My career has spanned diverse experiences across Middlesex, Hudson, Bergen, and Essex Counties, encompassing both public and academic libraries. This provides me with a unique understanding of libraries of all types and sizes.
My name is Rosy Wagner and I am the Adult Services System Coordinator for the Burlington County Library System. I have been passionate about and engaged in public library work since 2010. After getting my degree from Drexel, I spent ten years as a teen services librarian. I found fulfillment in providing library services for a population that so often does not have a safe place to explore, learn, or relax. In 2021 I became the manager of the brand-new Lifelong Learning department at BCLS where we placed an emphasis on expanding digital access for library users. Two years later I stepped into a role overseeing a larger portion of services for adults where I work with an amazing team to not only offer digital literacy opportunities, but also skill-building and enrichment opportunities and inclusive, accessible programming.
I’m a youth services librarian at East Brunswick Public Library and I’ve been working with families and children of all ages for the past 10 years. I’m currently the President of YASS and have also served as YASS Vice President, YASS Secretary, Scholarship Vice-Chair and Chair in the past. I continue to serve on Scholarship and have enjoyed all the different ways Scholarship and YASS have allowed me to meet and mentor young librarians and library students. My biggest strengths are attention to detail and organization, which I think would suit me very well in the role of secretary for NJLA!
I am running for NJLA Executive Board because I believe in the importance of the work of libraries - particularly in light of the upcoming administration’s policies, like Project 2025, which threaten the underpinnings and values of librarianship. This makes the work that NJLA does more valuable than ever. I would like to be able to contribute, on a statewide level, to all of NJLA’s ongoing core values, but especially those of advocacy, EDI, joy & community. As someone who has been a library worker, a librarian, an interim director, and a director in NJ school, public, academic, and consortium libraries, I believe I bring a wide variety of experience. I have also previously been a member of ALA Council, an ALA Emerging Leader, and a member of several national book selection committees, including the Over the Rainbow Committee and the YALSA Reluctant Books for Young Adult Readers Committee. I am currently the President of the Urban Libraries section, on the LibraryLinkNJ EDI-NJ Committee, and on the NJLA Conference Committee. I would like to continue my commitment to serving New Jersey libraries on a wider scale and become part of the NJLA Executive Board.
I have been working in New Jersey libraries for over a dozen years, and one of the things I am passionate about is mentoring and encouraging new librarians. When I started out, the YASS section members were incredibly encouraging and helpful, and I would like to help continue that as a member of the executive board. YASS Member at Large 2020 - 2022YASS President 2023-2024Youth Services Forum Team Member 2022-2024Intellectual Freedom Committee Member 2024Honors & Awards Committee Member 2022, 2024Scholarship Committee Member 2020Summer Reading Committee 2020ALA YALSA Member 2021-ALA Printz Committee Administrative Assistant 2024ALA Great Stories Club Librarian Liaison 2022YALSA Baker & Taylor Collection Development Grant Recipient 2022
The immense challenges of librarianship in these times have fallen upon our shoulders. We must come together and contend with attempts to ban books, the humanistic implementation of artificial intelligence, and vastly shifting political landscapes. NJLA is at the center of this moment. Whether it be public policy, supporting our diverse communities or standing up against the organized forces that seek to prevent the right to read and more, we must be the ones to meet this moment for the people of New Jersey.
As a Member-at-Large, I would like to work to facilitate greater understanding, communication, and collaboration between libraries of all types in order to strengthen and support our staff, our libraries, and our overall profession. I am the Associate University Librarian for User Services at Fairleigh Dickinson University. I have been a member of NJLA for over a decade and served as President of NJ Academic Librarians (formerly NJLA-College & University Section/ACRL-NJ) from 2022-23. I am also a 2018 graduate of NJLA’s Emerging Leaders program.
I was born and raised in Chennai, India, where my father worked as a librarian. It is through my father’s work that I first became immersed in the library world, and it’s safe to say that that’s where my passion for serving the public truly began. After earning my bachelor’s degree and first master’s degree in India, I moved to the United States in 1988 to earn my Master’s Degree in Library Science. In 1991, I began my career as an Adult Reference Librarian at the North Bergen Public Library. By 1994, I became Assistant Director, and in 1996, I was officially named Director.
As a library assistant and new library school graduate, with a background in education and experience working in diverse communities, I feel I can offer a unique perspective and use my experiences to ensure NJLA remains a strong advocate for New Jersey libraries. Since June 2023, I have been an adult services library assistant in the Somerset County Library System. I was previously a middle school teacher, which may be useful in helping NJLA with its goal of strengthening ties to NJASL as I understand the functioning of K-12 schools. Additionally, I have worked in a community with many Spanish speakers, immigrants, low-income residents, those with food and housing insecurity, and have seen the great impact libraries offer to their lives. I have done extensive outreach in the community and have worked with many community partners. My work with various populations has motivated me to join NJLA to ensure libraries can continue to advocate for the people of our communities and those who need libraries most. In my brief library career, I have become quite involved in various committees and initiatives through my county library system such as local history initiatives, LGBTQ+ services, unhoused services, system wide teen programming, and am a member of the NJLA Public Relations committee. I have much experience in leading committees and initiatives, which lends me valuable experience for the NJLA Member-at-Large position. I hope to help NJLA produce more scholarships, professional development, leadership, and job opportunities for new and upcoming library professionals so that New Jersey can diversify the library staff workforce and continue to offer strong and successful libraries in the future.
Laura Giacobbe is a first-generation faculty librarian at the Guggenheim Memorial Library of Monmouth University, NJ. She is a certified Racial Healing Facilitator. As a Reiki Master Teacher and Meditation Instructor, Laura connects her racial healing work and social justice advocacy to mindfulness-based practices. She actively speaks at conferences on the concepts of white supremacy and racial equity in libraries. Outside of work, Laura is a rescue dog mom, tarot card reader, and true-crime podcast aficionado. She is a proud member of the Latinx community. 
Dr. Muhammad Hassan is a visionary leader with over 15 years of experience in higher education, dedicated to advancing equity, accessibility, and academic success. As the Associate Vice President and Chief Librarian at Kean University, Dr. Hassan has spearheaded innovative initiatives, including the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER), enhanced accessibility services, and the integration of cutting-edge technology resources. These advancements include the establishment of a Visualization and Immersive Studio for research and education, providing transformative opportunities for the Kean community. Additionally, under his leadership, the number of physical books has significantly increased, and faculty support services have been expanded to enhance teaching and research.