Kathy Hurley is the Branch Manager at SouthPark. She has worked at the Library for three years, all with SouthPark. Her favorite part about working for CML is the opportunity to change lives with each encounter, whether that be through programs, services or a simple conversation. Her favorite book is “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” and a fun fact about Kathy is that she sings in a band with her daughter. She is currently completing her Philosophy of Leadership with Business Concentration doctoral program at Anderson University.

Jesse Isley is the Interim Branch Manager at ImaginOn. She has spent 11 years with the Library, including four years at ImaginOn. Her favorite thing about working at CML is “the variety of ways curiosity, contribute to lifelong learning, and get to know our community each day. Plus, the FUN we have with our programs here at ImaginOn.” Jesse is a fan of comedy and adventure when it comes to books, and enjoys non-fiction, especially memoirs. Two fun facts about Jesse are that she played bass clarinet in her high school band and recently started piano lessons via Zoom.

Shawn Krizanik is the Branch Manager at Independence Regional. He has been with CML for 14 years now, with four of those coming at Independence Regional. Shawn loves working with the Library because of its mission and core values. A fun fact about Shawn is that he two dogs that weigh in at a combined 30 pounds.

Alesha Lackey is the Branch Manager at Allegra Westbrooks. She has been with the Library for eight years, including six at Allegra Westbrooks. Her favorite thing about working at CML is that “my role sometimes affords me the opportunity to incorporate my interests and passions into projects that help fulfill our mission to ‘improve lives and build a stronger community.’" Alesha is a mom to one and a pet parent to her dog, Kiwi. She enjoys spending time with family, traveling, reading and making Target runs. Having auditioned for Wheel of Fortune and Family Feud, Alesha says winning Wheel of Fortune is on her bucket list.

Anne Mavian is the Branch Manager at Mint Hill. She has been with the Library for 15 years, including five at Mint Hill. Anne’s favorite part of working with CML is the diversity of staff and community because she can learn new things each day. Her favorite book is “Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Prior to moving to Charlotte, Anne was working in industrial construction as a project manager for a bridge contractor in the Detroit area. Outside of CML, Anne is Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee for the North Carolina Library Association.

Cynthia McDonald is the Branch Manager at Matthews. She has spent 13 years at the Library, including three with Matthews. Cynthia says her favorite thing about working at CML is being in her favorite place on Earth, the Library. Her staff’s success, happiness and well-being are important to her as she considers them her work family. A fun fact about Cynthia is that she worked as a deckhand on a commercial shrimp boat in the Gulf while in high school. Her favorite book changes constantly, but most recently it is “The Dictionary of Lost Words” by Pip Williams.

LaJuan Pringle is the Branch Manager at West Boulevard. He has been with the Library since 1998. LaJuan serves as a co-lead for CML’s organizational culture initiative, FOREWORD. He is very active in professional associations, serving as Chair of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT) and the North Carolina Library Association’s (NCLA) Library Advocacy and Legislative Section (LALS). His areas of interest include advocacy, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Debra Sharp is the Branch Manager at University City. She has been working at CML for 10 years, with one year under her belt at University City. Debra’s favorite part of working for the Library is the opportunity to help customers eliminate barriers to resources. Her favorite hobbies are traveling and gardening; she also loves historical fiction books and anything by Ruth Ware.

Cameron Smith is the Branch Manager at Pineville. He has been with the Library for 22 years, and joined Pineville in April of 2024. Developing new partnerships and relationships with community partners has always been an interest of his, and he enjoys the opportunity to do that at CML. A native Charlottean, Cameron enjoys history, geography and traveling. He collects old postcards and has curated a large collection over the years. His favorite authors include Megan Miranda, Ruth Ware, Peter Swanson, Alice Feeney and Lisa Unger.

Garrette Smith is the Branch Manager at ImaginOn. She has been with CML for over two years, and recently joined ImaginOn. Garrette’s favorite book is “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu and says that her favorite part of working with the Library is the team spirit amongst staff members. She enjoys baking cupcakes from scratch. Garrette is a graduate of the University of Houston and Clark Atlanta University.