Washington: King County Library System Names Gary Wasdin New Exectutive Director

From the King County Library Sytem:

After an exhaustive nationwide search conducted by The Hawkins Company and June Garcia LLC, the King County Library System [KCLS] Board of Trustees interviewed three finalists for its new Library Director.
After reviewing all comment by staff and the public, the Trustees extended an offer to Gary Wasdin, Executive Director, Omaha Public Library, Omaha, Nebraska.
Mr. Wasdin has accepted the position and will start January 26, 2015.

More From the Renton, WA Reporter:

“The Library System is an essential community asset, with 48 libraries, online and mobile outreach to 1.3 million area residents,” said Interim Director Julie Acteson in a press release. “Leading KCLS is an important job—and one that opens rarely: the previous Director came to KCLS more than 25 years ago. We’re delighted that Gary has accepted the Board’s offer and we look forward to welcoming him to KCLS.”
Wasdin was noted for having more than 20 years in management positions, including retail, academic and public libraries. KCLS recognized his broad background for giving him an in-depth understanding of leadership, organizational performance and talent management.

Wasdin replaces Bill Ptacek who left KCLS to become the director of the Calgary Public Library. Ptacek’s departure was first announced about a year ago.

Filed under: Academic Libraries, Libraries, Management and Leadership, Public Libraries