Introducing the 2026 ThriveLib Advisory Board
ThriveLib was created because library workers deserve more than surface-level self-care. We deserve workplaces where psychological health, clear boundaries, fair compensation, and sustainable practices are the norm. As ThriveLib continues to grow, we are dedicated to being guided by those values. And the 2026 Advisory Board reflects them.
Advisory Board members serve a calendar-year term (January–December 2026), with the option to continue, rotate off, or evolve into new roles as the board structure grows. They provide strategic guidance, honest feedback, evaluate proposals, and offer real-world insight to ensure ThriveLib remains grounded, inclusive, and actionable.
Dustin Fife – College Librarian at Colorado College, former public and academic library director, and series editor of Academic Library Workers in Conversation. Dustin brings experience in open education, management practices that promote well-being, and the belief that our profession needs more meaningful conversations.
Jennie Garner – Public librarian and past President of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries. Jennie brings expertise in policy development, staffing, positive leadership, advocacy, and the realities of small and rural libraries.
Todd Grooten – Library professional and newly trained social worker focused on macro practice and systemic change. Todd’s work bridges wellness committees, community building, and justice-oriented policy advocacy.
Shannan Hicks – Librarian and literacy advocate with experience across public, state, law, school, and special libraries. Her leadership in national children’s literature committees and her commitment to community engagement reflect the heart of our profession.
Twanna Hodge (she/her)– PhD candidate in Information Studies and nationally recognized DEI leader. Twanna’s work centers on cultural humility, retention of underrepresented library workers, and systemic equity in LIS education and workplaces.
Sonnet Ireland – Library Director, past Louisiana Library Association President, and advocate for emotional wellness in library leadership. Sonnet understands the balance between defending libraries and caring for the people who work in them.
Heather James – Dean of Gonzaga University’s Foley Center Library and national leader in equity-focused academic library administration. Heather brings experience in recruitment, retention, and organizational design rooted in inclusion.
Hannah Kukal Curtiss (she/her)– Interlibrary Loan Manager and writer on workplace well-being. Hannah believes that staff wellness is foundational to organizational success.
Dr. Cynthia M. Landrum – Futurist Allen Smith Visiting Scholar in Residence, Simmons University SLIS, and former Acting Director of IMLS. With experience across federal, state, and local institutions, Dr. Landrum brings systems-level thinking and justice-oriented leadership to the future of library work.
Carolyn Martin – Health information specialist with over 30 years of experience in hospitals and public libraries. Her focus on consumer health and health literacy reinforces ThriveLib’s evidence-based approach to workplace wellness.
Cristy Moran (she/ ella)– Librarian, educator, instructional designer, and “librarian for librarians.” Cristy centers adult learners, civic infrastructure, and kindness as an active practice. Spanglish is her superpower. Kindness punk is her praxis. She'd tell you wildflower seed-bombing is what she does for a living.
Angela Pashia – Former academic library leader and now ICF-certified leadership coach. Angela supports library leaders in navigating change and conflict with curiosity and values-aligned leadership.
JJ Pionke – Instructor at Syracuse University and nationally recognized advocate for disability and accessibility in libraries. JJ’s research and advocacy remind us that inclusion must include employees, not just patrons.
ThriveLib is not about asking library workers to be more resilient in unhealthy systems. It is about changing the systems. This Advisory Board helps ensure we stay focused on that work.
We are excited and honored to build ThriveLib 2026 together.