Sedona Public Library Approves New Board of Trustees

At the June 20, 2017 Sedona Public Library (SPL) Board of Trustees annual meeting, the 2017–2018 Board was formally seated.  As a private, non-profit corporation that provides public library services through contracts with local government, the volunteer Board of Trustees is responsible for administering the affairs of the Library.
 
Five current members of the Board are retiring and we would like to thank those individuals who have contributed so much time and energy to the Library. David Simmer (outgoing President), Abbie Denton-Lander (outgoing Treasurer), Harvey Bershader, John Crawford, and Michael Yarbrough are departing this year to pursue new opportunities and challenges and to continue their service to their communities.  Their contributions will be missed.
 
Joel DeTar is the incoming Board President.  Joel joined the Library Board in September 2015. Joel is a well-known and respected contributor to this community. He established the very successful DeTar Construction Company and has been actively involved with local non-profits including the Sedona Community Foundation, and the Sedona 30.  He has participated in various other fund-raising activities to benefit the local schools and the Veterans Service Park.  We are pleased to have Joel as President of our organization and look forward to his strong leadership.
 
The following members who are continuing their service on the Board this year have been elected to fill the other officer positions: Past President Pat Jansen, Treasurer Roger Shlonsky, and Secretary Wendy Edwards,
 
Two individuals joined the Board in mid-2016, Charles Curtis and Gwen Ortmeyer.  Charles spent over 30 years in the software engineering industry and then retired and moved, with his wife, to Sedona in 2014.  He is applying his technical management and teamwork experience to Board activities.  Gwen also joined the Board in October 2016.  Gwen recently moved to Sedona and brings her marketing, strategy and financial management expertise to the SPL Board. Both Charles and Gwen have become valuable members of the Board.
 
For the fiscal year 2017–2018, the Board is pleased to welcome three new members, Mary Kay DePoe, Sheila Hoffmeyer and Lynn Zonakis.  
 
Mary Kay DePoe has been a resident of Sedona since 1970 and brings an in-depth knowledge of the history and development of Sedona to the Board. She has been employed by Northern Arizona Council of Governments and has served as the Sedona Headstart Director since 2009.  Her primary interests include strengthening the local education community and advocating for children and the Hispanic community.  Mary Kay’s experience and interest will help sharpen the Board focus in these areas.
 
Sheila Hoffmeyer is a well-known presence at the SPL.  She served on the Board from 2007 through 2012 and was elected President 2008–2011.  She has continued to volunteer at SPL as a check-in/check-out assistant.  Sheila has extensive expertise is in marketing, communications and public relations. She currently serves on the Board of the Humane Society of Sedona and is secretary of her homeowners association.  Her wide-ranging experience and willingness to return to the Board will certainly help strengthen the organization.
 
Lynn Zonakis recently retired from Delta Air Lines where she served as a Managing Director Health Strategy & Resources. In retirement she continues healthcare consulting with employers and other health industry companies and groups. She has a passion for libraries and has become an active volunteer at SPL in the Village.  Her analytical, organizational, project management skills will be very useful as the Board tackles the many challenges SPL will face in the next few years.
 
The Board thanks our past and current Board members and welcomes our new Trustees. We look forward to an exciting and productive year at the Sedona Public Library.
 
Sedona Public Library is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, supported by donations and grants. Your tax-deductible donation may be sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.

Sedona Public Library
​Column for June 30, 2017
Written by Pat Jansen, Past-President, Sedona Public Library Board of Trustees