St. Charles City-County library has a new CEO. The library's Board of Trustees unanimously selected John Greifzu during a closed meeting on Monday.
“I'm excited for the opportunity to work with the Board of Trustees, collaborate with library staff, and engage with community partners on the outstanding programs and services offered by the library that promote early childhood literacy, support reading development, and inspire a lifelong passion for learning,” Greifzu said in a statement released Wednesday.
Greifzu has long-served in St. Charles County government, most recently as the Assistant Director of Administration. It’s unclear whether he has previous library experience. According to state regulations, the chief executive and administrative officer of a public library must be a “duly qualified graduate librarian”. Library board members say Greifzu’s experience will help balance budgets at the 11 branches.
“The Board has consistently said their priorities for a new CEO include experience with preparing, presenting and administering budgets,” said Matthew Seeds, Board of Trustees President in a statement. “John brings a wealth of experience in many areas, including governmental budgeting and working with our local municipal leaders and community partners.”
The library has been without a permanent CEO since November, when former CEO Jason Kuhl resigned. Kuhl faced scrutiny from community members and library staff for his proposed plan to close several branches, citing financial reasons. The plan was tabled indefinitely in June.
Griefzu will take his place on March 6th. Library board members say Greifzu’s experience will help balance budgets and incorporate community feedback into St. Charles libraries.
“I say we give this man a fair shot,” wrote a Facebook user in a St. Charles library support group. “I really hope he doesn’t let those that actually use the library down.”