The Springfield‑Greene County Library Board of Trustees met on July 21 to fill several vacant seats and to select its leadership for the upcoming term. Three new trustees—Robert Guiler, Pamela Hernandez and Esther Owen—were sworn in, replacing Rachael Morrow, Stacey Penney and Melanie Weiler, whose three‑year terms concluded.
Two existing members, James Nevins and Mar’Ellin Felin, were reappointed to a second three‑year term. The board also elected its officers: Christopher Bozarth will serve as president, Nevins as vice president, Felin as treasurer and Carol Anne Robinette as secretary.
Committee assignments
In addition to officer roles, the board assigned committee chairs. Owen will lead the Programs, Services and Technology Committee, while Guiler will chair the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Felin, in her capacity as treasurer, will also chair the Finance and Personnel Committee.
Board composition and appointments
The nine‑member board is composed of five city‑appointed representatives and four county‑appointed representatives. City appointees include past president Aaron Jones and David Yancey, both selected by the City of Springfield. County representatives—Guiler, Nevins and Owen—were chosen earlier this year by the Greene County Commission. Hernandez and Felin were appointed by the Springfield City Council, with their terms recently approved.
Each trustee serves a three‑year term, with the possibility of serving two consecutive terms. The board’s responsibilities include hiring and reviewing the library director, setting library policies, and approving the annual budget for the system’s ten branches, five of which are located in Springfield.
Professional backgrounds of new members
- Robert Guiler is the director of electric transmission and distribution for City Utilities.
- Pamela Hernandez serves as the regional director for the Better Business Bureau Springfield and operates Thrive Personal Fitness.
- Esther Owen is the director of community sponsorships, advertising and donations for the Ozark School District and has previously worked as a development director for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri.
The newly formed board is expected to continue supporting library services across the county, focusing on program development, facility maintenance, and fiscal stewardship. Community members can look forward to ongoing library initiatives that align with the educational and cultural needs of Springfield and the surrounding Greene County area.
Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.
