The Board of Trustees of the North Olympic Library System (NOLS) has appointed Noah Glaude to be the next Executive Director. Glaude has been Assistant Director at NOLS since May of 2016. Glaude will succeed Margaret Jakubcin, who will retire in July.
Following Jakubcin’s retirement announcement in December 2019, the Board of Trustees surveyed Library staff regarding the current and future trajectory of NOLS, and the leadership attributes in the next Director. This information was used to develop the national recruitment that was subsequently conducted. Those recruitment activities were concluded in mid-March 2020, with the Board’s selection of Glaude to fill the Director’s position. His employment contract was approved on March 26, 2020.
“In hindsight, the timing of this recruitment decision was very fortunate,” said Jakubcin. “The Board concluded the recruitment activities and made the job offer just before the severity of the pandemic became fully apparent. The timing of the Board’s decision has allowed NOLS to move forward with a sense of confidence and certainty during a time that has in so many other ways been full of uncertainty.”
“The Board is thrilled to make this announcement,” said Jennifer Pelikan, Board of Trustees Chair for NOLS. “In his nine years with NOLS, Noah has held a variety of positions in different departments, allowing him to develop a breadth of knowledge of the inner workings of a multi-branch rural library system. During his interview, Noah said that he knew early in his career that public libraries were where he wanted to be. His combination of energy, experience, and dedication is exactly what NOLS, and Clallam County, need at this time.”
As NOLS’ Assistant Director, Glaude, 35, has been proactive in developing community partnerships and expanding the Library’s rich calendar of programs and events. He has also played a leadership role on the Library’s management team, and greatly expanded NOLS’ professional development program. Glaude has coordinated several capital improvement projects for NOLS, was a core member of the Sequim Branch Future Library project, and has led many projects to improve public services, such as elimination of overdue fines in 2019.
Glaude has an Executive Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of Washington. He joined the NOLS team in 2011, and during the last nine years has filled a series of progressively more responsible positions at NOLS. His previous library experience included four years of work in University of Washington Libraries.
“I’m delighted and honored to be given the opportunity to continue my leadership role with NOLS,” Glaude said. “Despite the challenges currently facing our community, and the difficulties that lie ahead as we navigate those together, I know NOLS is on solid ground, and I’m excited to continue improving and enhancing services the Library offers.” Glaude, his wife, and two children live in Port Angeles where they appreciate the easy access to wild beaches, forests and mountains, and support local education and environmental-focused organizations. Glaude will make $94,200/year when he assumes his new position.
