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Meet Lori Coryell new Chelsea District Library director

Courtesy photo. Lori Coryell, new Chelsea District Library Director.
Courtesy photo. Lori Coryell, new Chelsea District Library Director.

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Patty Roberts for the information in this story.)

After a comprehensive selection process, Chelsea District Library (CDL) is pleased to announce that Lori Coryell will be its next director, beginning Jan. 4, 2016.

An exhaustive search by a committee comprised of library trustees, staff, and community members culminated in on-site interviews with three highly qualified finalists for the position.

Search Committee Chair and CDL Trustee Gary Zenz said, “The final steps of our selection process were very comprehensive and included: engaging the candidates with CDL staff, interviews with the search committee and Board of Trustees, meetings with our key stake holders, a walking tour of Chelsea downtown, and candidate presentations to the community.“

After interviewing and evaluating the finalists’ performance in a public forum, the search committee unanimously recommended the Board of Trustees select Coryell as director.

In a special board meeting held Monday, Nov. 16, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept the search committee’s recommendation.

“All three finalists had a lot to offer, but in the end Lori Coryell was the clear choice. In addition to being highly qualified with extensive experience in all facets of library management, the vitality and creativity Coryell brings will mesh well with our dynamic and talented staff, inspiring them to new levels of service and innovation” said board president Elizabeth Sensoli.

Coryell will bring to Chelsea a wealth of experience, including 17 years with the Ypsilanti District Library, 10 of them as assistant director. She made a mark in Ypsi developing and implementing their strategic plan and conceiving and implementing many new programs such as the Ypsi Song Fest.

With extensive community and professional ties, Coryell brought world renowned poets, authors, artists and radio/television personalities to the Ypsilanti District Library for enriching and innovative programs.

During her visit to CDL as part of the selection process, Coryell quickly won the staff over with her knowledge, intelligence, and humorous manner. “Lori was incredibly engaged when meeting with staff and showed great interest in our partnerships in the Chelsea community,” said Keegan Sulecki, head of Adult Services.

Melanie Bell, network administrator said, “She had a flair and energy that just clicked with the staff. She was easy to talk to and her passion for finding creative yet practical ways to serve the community fits well with our own.”

Upon receiving the news of her selection, Coryell said “I feel very fortunate and honored to have been selected as the next Director of the Chelsea District Library. I am excited at the prospect of working with a talented, dedicated staff serving a community that clearly loves and supports its library.  I look forward to learning more about Chelsea and building on the impressive work of Bill Harmer and will work to continue to strengthen and support this community. I can’t wait to begin.”

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