New Library Director

November 7, 2010

News for Immediate Release
For further information contact:
Michael Kenney, Marketing & Development Coordinator at 920- 832-1695
Terry Dawson, Appleton Public Library Director at 920-832-6170

Appleton Public Library announces new Library Director

APPLETON, WI – The Appleton Public Library announced today that Colleen Rortvedt has accepted the position of Director at the Library, effective Jan. 8, 2011.

Terry Bergen, Search Committee chairperson noted that the applicants from the extensive search brought in responses from a large pool of candidates.

“We were gratified at the high caliber of applicants for this important position,” said Bergen. “The search committee had a difficult decision, but following an intensive interview process our choice became clear. We were particularly impressed with Ms. Rortvedt’s leadership and vision,” added Bergen.

Liz Truesdale-Witek, President of the Library’s Board of Trustees as well as a member of the Search Committee stated, “This was a national search - we received applications from California to Vermont and many states in between. Colleen Rortvedt not only has the breadth and depth of experience that is required of a director the size and caliber of the Appleton Public Library, but she also appreciates APL’s special role as the resource library for the Outagamie Waupaca Library System. She demonstrated an unparalleled familiarity with and concern for the needs of the diverse community the Library serves, as well as an in-depth understanding of the other challenges unique to the Appleton Public Library, and set out strategies for addressing them.”

The search committee included the Library Board Personnel Chair Terry Bergen, Board President Liz Truesdale-Witek, Board Vice President Don Hietpas, Attorney John Peterson, APL Board Trustee Jean Detjen, Outagamie Waupaca Library System Director Rick Krumwiede, Friends of Appleton Public Library President Peter Gilbert, Friends Executive Director Janice Quinlan, and Jay Ratchman City of Appleton Human Resources department.

“Libraries are about more than books and materials – we provide opportunities, bring people together and help solve community problems,” stated Rortvedt. “I’m looking forward to continuing APL’s mission in serving this wonderful community and I am honored to be chosen as the next Library Director.”

Rortvedt, a graduate of Lawrence University, received her Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Ms. Rortvedt has worked at other libraries prior to joining the Appleton Public Library staff in 1996. She has served in several capacities at the Appleton Public Library, including APL’s first Young Adult Librarian, Audiovisual Librarian, and most recently as the Assistant Library Director. Her accomplishments include planning the first area community read “Appleton Speaks”, as well as coordinating the development of the library’s Hmong Resource Center.

“I’m pleased that the Search Committee and Board have chosen Colleen, who has already demonstrated her vision and strong community connections,” said Library Director Terry Dawson. “She has been an effective leader and manager with a track record of developing collaborations to improve library service and strengthen our community.”

Rortvedt will succeed Dawson, who is retiring after 32 years serving the Appleton Public Library, on January 7, 2011.

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