30 August 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RICHMOND HILL PUBLIC LIBRARY CEO RETIRING AFTER SEVEN YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Richmond Hill Public Library has announced that Louise Procter Maio will retire from her position as Chief Executive Officer effective Nov. 30, 2019.
Ms. Procter Maio said, “It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement. As I end my career in public libraries, I would like to thank all the staff, colleagues, boards and supporters with whom I’ve worked over the years and who have shared my passion for the pivotal role libraries play in their community.”
On learning of Ms. Procter Maio’s retirement, Library Board Chair David Bishop stated, “Richmond Hill Public Library has benefitted greatly from Louise’s exceptional skills during her seven years as CEO. While the Library’s bricks and mortar may look the same, the Library has experienced transformational change under her leadership.”
Hired in August 2012, Ms. Procter Maio led the Board in a visioning review that was the foundation for the Library’s 2013 Strategic Plan. Called “Enriching Your Choices, Connections and Community,” the Strategic Plan provided guidance for the Library’s evolution.
The Facilities Master Plan, completed in conjunction with the Strategic Plan, set the stage for the approval of the new Oak Ridges Library branch. Following extensive consultation with residents, this branch has been designed to respond to the identified needs of the community it will serve and is expected to open this fall.
The 2014 Technology Assessment Plan identified opportunities for investment and service improvement. Under the CEO’s leadership, the Library developed a robust online presence along with electronic services that are heavily used as a virtual branch by the residents of Richmond Hill. Mr. Bishop said, “Like everything else, libraries are impacted by rapid technological change. Louise’s ability to help guide the Board through the ongoing evolution of library services and related public expectations has been invaluable.”
The realization of the Library’s Strategic Plan required major changes in the Library’s service delivery model which, in turn, was supported by significant changes in the Library’s organizational structure. In support of these changes, Ms. Procter Maio championed the need to provide Library employees with the skills needed to successfully make these changes. Her concern for employee success led to improved staff education and training, including the implementation of an annual Staff Development Day.
The above achievements are just a few examples drawn from the seven very productive years Ms. Procter Maio spent leading the Library. Mr. Bishop noted that “Louise’s professionalism and enthusiasm for excellence was evident in everything that she did for the Library.”
Before meeting Ms. Procter Maio, when describing desirable leadership qualities, Mr. Bishop wrote:
“The ‘tone at the top’ has a tendency to permeate an organization. Accordingly, it is critical that the CEO should operate with a high sense of ethics and integrity. Effective leadership must demonstrate respect for others, the courage to do what is right, and commitment to excellence and quality.”
“Louise Procter Maio consistently demonstrated these qualities,” said Mr. Bishop. “I am grateful to have been able to work with Louise and thank her for her service. I wish her, and her family, many happy years in retirement.”
About Richmond Hill Public Library:
Richmond Hill Public Library has served its local community for more than 165 years. The Library has over 72,000 card holders and sees 1 million annual in-person visits and 2.2 million digital visits to its physical and virtual spaces. It serves a population of over 200,000 Richmond Hill residents through its four locations: Central Library, Oak Ridges Library, Richmond Green Library and Richvale Library.
To access the most current updates on what’s happening at the Library, visit https://www.rhpl.ca/.
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For more information, please contact:
Brock Smith
Manager, Communications
Richmond Hill Public Library
(905) 884-9288 ext. 5082