Community Library Sedona announced late Wednesday, July 29, that Executive Director Judy Poe will retire on Oct. 31, concluding a tenure that has transformed the library into one of Northern Arizona’s most vibrant community organizations.
Poe will continue leading the library through Oct. 31 to ensure a smooth leadership transition while the Board of Directors conducts a national search for the library’s next executive director.
“Judy leaves an extraordinary legacy,” Linda Allen, president of the Community Library Sedona Board of Directors, stated in a press release. “Her vision, leadership and ability to bring people together have positioned Community Library Sedona for long-term success. We celebrate everything she has accomplished while looking forward with confidence to the library’s next chapter.”
During Poe’s leadership, Community Library Sedona has experienced one of the most successful periods in its history, the press release stated. The library’s Take Part, Make Your Mark renovation campaign has raised more than $2 million in less than a year, inspiring record support from longtime donors and first-time contributors. Phase I renovations are underway, creating new gathering spaces, meeting rooms and improved facilities that reflect the library’s vision of serving as the community’s living room.
Under Poe’s direction, the library also expanded programming, strengthened partnerships with government, business, nonprofit and civic organizations and established “Get Loud!” as a signature community celebration in Sedona. Together, the board, staff, volunteers, donors and community partners have built an organization with a clear strategic vision, a strong community identity and broad public support, the press release stated.
The board stated that the leadership transition has been thoughtfully planned and reflects the strength of the organization.
“This is not simply the retirement of an executive director,” Allen said. “It is the next step for an organization that is stronger than at any time in its history. We have an experienced staff, an engaged Board, dedicated volunteers and a community that believes in our mission. Our momentum continues.”
The Board has established an Executive Search Committee to conduct a national search for the library’s next leader and is evaluating nationally recognized executive search firms specializing in library leadership.
The Board stressed that the library’s mission, strategic vision, renovation campaign, community programming, fundraising initiatives and daily operations will continue without interruption.
“This transition gives us an opportunity to recruit another exceptional leader who can build on Judy’s remarkable accomplishments and guide Community Library Sedona through the next phase of its transformation,” Allen stated. “We are excited about the future.”
Community members are encouraged to visit the library to experience the Phase I renovations now underway, participate in its growing calendar of educational and cultural programs and support the ongoing Take Part, Make Your Mark campaign through Pillar Investor and Grassroots giving opportunities.
“Everything we’ve accomplished has been possible because our staff, board and this community believed in a bigger vision for our community’s library,” Poe stated. “I’m confident the next Executive Director will inherit an organization that’s ready for its next era.”
About Community Library Sedona
Community Library Sedona is dedicated to creating connection, belonging and lifelong learning by serving as a welcoming gathering place where the community comes together through knowledge, culture and shared experiences. The library’s main branch is located at 3250 White Bear Road in West Sedona. It operates a satellite branch at the foomer Big Park Community School, located on the shuttered school campus at 25 W. Saddlehorn Road. For more information, call 928-282-7714 or visit communitylibrarysedona.org.
