Ann has lived in Central Oregon for more than 40 years and has been an active supporter of libraries since the mid-1990s, when she worked on the campaigns to establish the Deschutes Public Library District and pass the bond issue to build the Bend Public Library. She was named Library Supporter of the Year for 2012 by the Oregon Library Association. Ann was appointed by the governor to serve a third term on the State Library of Oregon board in 2022 after serving as board chair from 2017 to 2021.

Library Affiliation: Member of the Deschutes Public Library District Board since 2007, serving as president from 2009–11, 2013–14, 2018–20, and 2021–2023. Board member and past president of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation, where she was instrumental in creating the popular A Novel Idea and Author! Author! literary programs. Past member of the Bend Library Advisory Council, Bend Library Advisory Board, Friends of the Bend Library, and COCC Visiting Scholar Committee.

Education:  B.A. in Journalism from the University of Oregon (1974).

Current Occupation:  Independent technical communications consultant to the biotechnology industry.

Previous Occupation:  Director of Communications for Bend Research, Inc.; Development Director for the Stanislaus (CA) County Library System; reporter and editor for The Bulletin .

Memberships:  Member of the American Library Association and Oregon Library Association

Contact:  ann.malkin@dpls.lib.or.us

Betsy has been a proud resident of Oregon since 1999, bringing a wealth of experience from diverse careers, including event planning, hospitality, and local government. Her lifelong love of reading began as a toddler visiting her grandfather's library in Lompoc, California, where she spent countless hours immersed in books. Betsy is committed to supporting the library's role in promoting lifelong education and learning as a pathway to empowerment and social mobility.

Library Affiliation:Member of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation Board and past member of the Deschutes Public Library Budget Committee

Education:B.A. in Managerial Economics from Oregon State University

Current Occupation: Business Manager, City of Bend Fire & Rescue

Previous Occupation: Finance Manager, Bend Park and Recreation District; finance positions with Deschutes County and City of Bend; Hotelier, Seaside, Oregon.

Organizations: BSA Troop 101, Women's Foundation of Oregon Policy Committee, Family Kitchen Volunteer

Contact:  betsy.tucker@dpls.lib.or.us

Erin has lived in Redmond since 2006, and has long been a public library patron and supporter. She is passionate about creating connections for individuals and communities. Erin and her spouse have children in the Redmond School District. As a family they enjoy kayaking, hiking, and camping. Additionally, she enjoys food preservation and sewing.

Library Affiliation:Member of the Deschutes Public Library District Board, Redmond Parks Committee

Education: Bachelor of Science in ASL/English Interpreting from William Woods University (Fulton, MO) and a Master of Arts Interpreting Studies from Western Oregon University (Monmouth, OR)

Current Occupation:ASL Interpreter Coordinator and Captioning Manager for Central Oregon Community College

Organizations: Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf 1999-present, WOU Interpreter Training Program Advisory Committee 2010-2013, Oregon Association Of Higher Education and Disability member 2017-present, Redmond Parks Committee Committee Member 2022-present

Contact:  erin.trimble@dpls.lib.or.us

Michele has been a member of the Central Oregon community since 2006, when she & her family moved to Bend. As an avid reader who shares a family book club with her husband & grown children, Michele has been a lifelong advocate for literacy, education, and equal access to information. With experience as a CPA and a co-founder of a local non-profit, Camp Tamarack, as well as having served on numerous other boards, Michele looks to bring valuable experience and leadership to the board to work collaboratively to enhance library programs for everyone. You can also find Michele in the mountains adventuring, traveling, practicing yoga, playing pickleball or chasing her dog, Bean.

Library Affiliation: Board Member (Treasurer), Deschutes Public Library Foundation

Education: Sonoma State University, BS Business Administration

Current Occupation: Broker, Cascade Hasson Sotheby's Realty
Board Member (Secretary/Treasurer), Camp Tamarack

Previous Occupation: CPA, Deloitte
CPA, Price Fronk & Co
Lecturer, School of Business Administration - Sonoma State University

Contact: michele.anderson@dpls.lib.or.us

Laura Leis was born and raised in Sisters and has deep ties to the Central Oregon community. She is passionate about supporting public spaces that foster connection, belonging, and lifelong learning. Laura helps young readers and families discover the joy of books in her current roles as the Sisters Elementary School librarian and Children’s Department Manager at her local independent bookstore. With a degree in Literature from Brown University and a doctorate from UC Berkeley, Laura brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work and public service. A former optometrist and now a dedicated literacy advocate, she is committed to strengthening the role of libraries as welcoming resources for everyone in Deschutes County.

Library Affiliation: Member, Deschutes Public Library Board, Zone 2

Education: B.A. in Literature, Brown University; Doctor of Optometry, U.C. Berkeley

Current Occupation: Media Manager, Sisters Elementary School; Children’s Department Manager, Paulina Springs Books

Previous Occupation: Optometrist, private practice

Organizations: Sisters City Parks Advisory Board

Contact: laura.leis@dpls.lib.or.us