Administrative Staff

Chicago Public Library organizational chart

Mary Ellen Messner, Acting Commissioner

Chicago Public Library Acting Commissioner Mary Ellen Messner has over 25 years' experience improving outcomes for children, youth and families in Chicago. She administers one of the largest big-city library systems in the world, with an annual budget of $130 million, 81 branches, three regional hubs and a 750,000-square-foot central library.

As CPL's First Deputy Commissioner since 2018, Messner led the organization in the development of its five-year strategy (2020-2024). She also oversaw program design and delivery, with over 35,000 events offered annually, as well as performance management and strategic partnerships.

Before joining CPL, Mary Ellen served as Deputy Commissioner of Youth Services, leading the City of Chicago's youth vision around summer employment, violence reduction initiatives and out-of-school time, and supporting over 230 community partners; and as an Assistant Commissioner, coordinating youth workforce initiatives, including the City’s signature summer jobs program employing over 31,000 youth each summer. Messner began her public sector career at the Chicago Park District.

Messner is an advisory board member of Dominican University’s School of Information Sciences and Chicago Children’s Museum, and serves as a board member for Chicago Learning Exchange.

She is a graduate of the Chicago Arts Leadership Institute and Menttium 100, a leadership and cross-company mentoring program. She earned a master's in library and information science from Dominican University, a master's of business administration from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and a bachelor of arts in journalism from Marquette University.

Maggie Clemons, Deputy Commissioner, Library Operations and Patron Experience

Baronica Roberson, Deputy Commissioner, Administration and Finance

Deanie Adams, Director, Sulzer Regional

Michelle Carnes, Division Chief, Specialized Services

Keri Cascio, Assistant Commissioner, Technology, Content and Innovation

Craig Davis, Director, Adult Services

Greg Diaz, Chief, District 4, Central East

Jason Driver, Chief, District 3, Central West & Legler Regional

Jeremy Dunn, Director, Teen Services

Mary Emmanuel, Director, Finance

Karl Guider, Assistant Commissioner, Facility Planning and Building Operations

Shelley Hughes, Director, Children's Services and Family Engagement

Shilo Jefferson, Director, Legler Regional

Maria Kellner-Ligammari, Director, Procurement

Brent Lipinski, Chief, District 5, Southwest

Shenita Mack, Division Chief, General Information Services

Diane Marshbank, Director, Program and Service Innovation

Patrick Molloy, Director, Government and Public Affairs

Julie Morgan, Director, Human Resources and Staff & Organization Development

Dana Revilla, Chief, District 2, Northeast & Sulzer Regional

Greg Rodriguez, Chief, District 1, Northwest

Nesha Saunders, Chief, District 6, Southeast & Woodson Regional

Veleda Simpson, Director, Woodson Regional

Summer Sparacin, Director, Library Programs and Events

Stacie Williams, Division Chief, Archives and Special Collections

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