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Library district appoints next leader

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A new executive director has been chosen to lead the Springfield-Greene County Library District.

Edward Walton, who has more than 40 years' experience in library service, is scheduled to start in the local role on July 8, according to a news release. He's currently director of library services and operations at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

"Dr. Walton is a natural consensus builder, brings the perspective of varied library experiences and has more than 30 years of leadership experience," said Rachael Morrow, library district board president, in the release. "His passion for our community, his experience in ensuring our library system remains among the top in the nation, and his mission to always help others succeed make us confident he is the right person to lead the district as we expand and develop to meet the changing needs of our citizens."

It is a return to the area for Walton, who previously worked for 20 years as dean of university libraries and professor of library services for Southwest Baptist University.

"I visited and used many services provided by Springfield-Greene County. I have always been impressed by the facilities, staff and support I receive on each visit," Walton said in the release. "I have witnessed firsthand the Springfield and Greene County communities’ appreciation and support of their library. I look forward to joining the outstanding library staff and continuing to provide exemplary service to the community."

Walton, who has a doctorate in educational leadership in higher education from Union University, also has experience as board president of the MOBIUS Consortium, helping to transition the organization to a nonprofit from a quasi-state institution.

Walton succeeds Regina Greer Cooper, who retired at the end of 2023 from the library district after leading it for 15 years. Jim Schmidt, the library district's associate director, has served as interim director.

The library district board engaged Scion Executive Search to help find its next executive director, officials say.

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