Following a lengthy recruitment process, the Marigold Library Board is pleased to announce that Lynne Price will be taking over the CEO position with Michelle Toombs’ impending retirement later this month.
At the end of June, after 13 years as CEO with the not-for-profit organization, Michelle will be handing over the reins to Marigold’s current Director of Services Delivery.
“I am honoured to lead this forward-thinking organization,” said Lynne who joined Marigold 12 years ago. “I am passionate about the vital role public libraries play in cultivating community connections, inclusivity, lifelong learning, and personal discovery. Marigold will continue to innovate and transform as communities grow and change, and as new library service opportunities emerge.”
Lynne holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario and a degree in Art History from the University of Calgary. She is a lifelong believer in the value of public libraries to communities and has been an avid reader and library user since childhood. Her experience includes co-ownership of small businesses, published research, a position on the Calgary Folk Music Festival Board for six years, and serving as a jury member for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award.
She recently led Marigold through the construction of a new facility in Strathmore in collaboration with Marigold’s partners, the Western Irrigation District. As CEO, Lynne is committed to building on Marigold’s culture of inclusion, engagement, creativity, and innovation to lead Marigold into the future.
Michelle grew up in a community that did not have access to a library or library services. Throughout her 46 years as a professional librarian, she has seen and been inspired by the positive changes that allowed for public libraries and its services to be accessible in urban and rural areas.
“Public libraries inspire people and make our lives and communities better,” she said. “I’m grateful for the support and generosity of all the Board members and staff who have been associated with Marigold and dedicated so much to improving public library services in their communities.”