Emerging Leaders
Emerging Leaders Program: Sample topics and participants from previous cohorts
Emerging Leaders Program
The 2022-2023 NJLA Emerging Leaders group met up for its first session, held at the Bernards Township Library in Basking Ridge and via Zoom on Jan. 19, 2023.
The group of 31 librarians from across the state, is the 11th Emerging Leaders cohort since the program was started in 2002-2003. (See previous cohorts here).
The Emerging Leaders Program is is open to librarians who have been working professionally for less than five years, and working in New Jersey for less than five years. This program consists of five full-day sessions from January through May.
Presenters with various backgrounds within the NJ library community, and beyond will lead discussions and interactive sessions that will encourage attendees to learn about leadership, explore their own leadership style while networking with other emerging leaders. Attendees will also meet State Library and NJLA leaders and learn about the structure of NJLA. Additional topics will be announced.
The session dates are: Jan. 19 (Bernards Township Library, Basking Ridge), Feb. 16 (New Jersey State Library, Trenton), March 16 (Essex County Community College, Newark), April 20 (Hillsborough Public Library), and May 18 (Cherry Hill Public Library).
Upon completion of the Emerging Leaders Program, participants agree to volunteer for an NJLA committee or section for 2 years, 2023-2025. Attendance at the annual NJLA Conference is highly recommended.
Sponsored by NJLA Professional Development Committee, Neil Grimes and Eric Schwarz, Co-Chairs; Leadership & Education Subcommittee, Cassie Collucci, Chair, and Jen Sulligan, Vice Chair.
Participants in the 2022-2023 Emerging Leaders Program:
| Name | Library Name | Job Title |
|---|---|---|
| Allison Ryan | Hillsborough, SCLSNJ | Teen Services Librarian |
| Ally Cirelli | Woodbridge Public Library | Youth Services & Community Engagement Librarian |
| Ashley Mitchell | Camden County Library System - Voorhees Branch | Adult Services Librarian |
| Brandy Walthall | Atlantic City Free Public Library | Youth Services Librarian |
| Christina Getaz | Caldwell University | Instruction and Assessment Librarian |
| Dan Fitzgerald | Ocean County Library, Beachwood | Librarian 2, Branch Manager |
| David McMahon | Cape May County Library System | Teen Services Supervisor |
| Diane Musella | Ocean County Library, Toms River Branch | Information Services Librarian |
| Ebony Reeves | Middletown Public Library | Librarian & Librarian 2 |
| Emily Lail | Manville, SCLSNJ | Youth Services Librarian |
| Jason Weissman | Livingston Public Library | Teen Librarian |
| Jenise Sileo | Parsippany Troy-Hills Main library | Children's Librarian |
| Jessica Osolin | Cranford Public Library | Head of Access Services, Principal Librarian |
| Julie Manocchio | Somerset County Library System - Hillsborough branch | Adult Services Librarian |
| Julie McGeough | Raritan Valley Community College | Reference Librarian |
| Kaley Iacovetta | Free Library of Philadelphia | Adult and Teen Librarian |
| Kassandra Penn | Ocean County Library: Toms River Branch | Librarian 3, TR Adult Services |
| Kerrin Graul | Roxbury Public Library | Adult Services Librarian |
| Kristen Rasczyk | Glen Rock Public Library | Teen & Technology Librarian |
| Leanne Manna | Linden Public Library | Librarian |
| Liz Day | Library of the Chathams | Emerging Technologies/Teen Librarian |
| Melaina Squicciarini | Highland Park Public Library | Youth Services Librarian |
| Nicholas Bastean | Wayne Public Library | Librarian |
| Nicole Marconi | Hoboken Public Library | Access Services Manager & Librarian |
| Rachel Talbert | Parsippany Troy-Hills Public Library System | Information and Outreach Services Librarian |
| Ruth Ware | Essex County Community College | Librarian, Instructor |
| Sara Cook | Ocean County Library, Main Branch | Librarian 2, Digital Selector |
| Sara Figueroa | Margaret E Heggan Library | Youth Services Supervisor |
| Sarah Pike | Hunterdon County Library System, Main Branch | Youth/Teen Services Librarian |
| Sherri Taliercio | Ocean County Library | Librarian 3, Public Relations Dept. |
| Wesley Blackburn | Long Branch Free Public Library | Community Engagement Librarian |
The photos on this page are from the Emerging Leaders Program kickoff, Jan. 19, 2023, at Bernards Township Library.
Revised January 24, 2023
