NEW DIRECTOR OF LIBRARIES ANNOUNCED, RETIRING DIRECTOR NORMA KULA THANKED FOR 36 YEARS AT MONROE COUNTY

MONROE COUNTY, FL – Norma Kula, Monroe County Director of Libraries, announced her retirement after serving the county with professionalism and dedication for 36 years. She began as a library assistant in 1984 and promoted her way through the department until becoming the director in 1999.

“Norma has served our Keys community with distinction,” said Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi. “We wish her well and thank her for her outstanding service.”

With Kula’s announcement, the County merged the Director of Strategic Planning position with the library position. Kimberly Matthews will now be the Senior Director of Strategic Planning and Libraries and will assume the leadership role for the library system and will retain her strategic planning responsibilities.

Matthews has 26 years of experience in public library administration and has been supporting the County’s library system since March. She holds a master’s degree in library science and a Master of Business Administration. She also authored a book on strategic planning. In her role as strategic planner, she focuses on operational reengineering for efficiency and effectiveness, performance management, and the incorporation of innovation into both staff performance and operational activities.

“This combination of expertise provides a unique opportunity for Monroe county to capitalize on her rich professional background,” said Gastesi.

In addition to the announcements, Matthews presented the operational plans for the new Marathon branch library and a brief overview of the facilities, programs, materials, and technology. “This 21st century library is user-centric, innovative, and flexible,” said Matthews. “It is a place that will bring the community together, build bridges, empower, and inspire.”

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