The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library stuck to the same chapter in its hunt for a new chief executive officer.
Nina Cunniff was appointed to the role effective Nov. 25, the library board has announced. She had already been serving as acting CEO.
“I am honoured to step into the role,” Cunniff said in a media release. “This library holds a special place in my heart, and I am committed to building on its strong foundation to continue serving the community with excellence and innovation.”
She has nearly 30 years of public library experience, beginning her career at the El Paso Public Library, where she advanced to branch manager. After returning to Canada in 2000, she led the Innisfil Public Library’s Churchill branch and joined the Bradford library in 2004.
During her time in Bradford, Cunniff has shaped the library’s strategic direction, serving as deputy CEO and corporate services manager.
She takes over from Matthew Corbett, who resigned from the CEO position in early July following a leave of absence which officially began on March 13.
However, the library has drawn some criticism in recent years, while she was part of the senior leadership team, both during an unprecedented 71-day strike by workers and the facility’s flip-flop on the playing of the film 200 Meters.
The library touts Cunniff's commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity, as well as her “extensive experience in budgeting, planning, and fostering productive relationships with staff, board members and the community.”
“On behalf of the board, following a comprehensive recruitment process, I am pleased to congratulate and welcome Nina to the role," board chair Licinio Miguelo said. "Nina brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to the organization, and we look forward to the progress our public library will make under her leadership.”
For more on the library and upcoming programs, visit https://bradford.library.on.ca/iguana/www.main.cls?surl=BWGDEV.
— With files from Michael Owen
