Administrative Staff

Chicago Public Library organizational chart

Chris Brown, Commissioner

Under Commissioner Chris Brown’s leadership, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has strengthened its role as an essential resource, broadening access and deepening its commitment to Chicago’s communities. With a vision for equitable access, CPL extended Sunday hours across all neighborhood branches and launched the Book Sanctuary, renewing its legacy of supporting intellectual freedom—a commitment first established in 1936 as the first library in the country to adopt such a policy. Today, libraries across North America have embraced this initiative, reflecting CPL’s leadership in defending the freedom to read.

Through strategic partnerships with Public Health, CPL now offers mental health clinician support at carefully selected library locations, ensuring that these vital services are available where they are most needed. In addition, Narcan and innovative resources to support unhoused residents have been introduced, further solidifying the library’s role as a critical partner in addressing community health needs. The creation of an Equity Office and adoption of an equity policy further reinforce CPL’s dedication to accessible, inclusive services. With a substantial increase in the collection budget—expanding it by 25%—CPL has revitalized children’s collections, with a particular focus on the South and West Sides, and invested in vital Chicago historical collections, ensuring these resources remain accessible to all. CPL also launched the 81 Club, which simplifies library access for students and teachers, removing barriers to essential educational resources.

Throughout his career, Chris has been committed to expanding library access and championing community-driven services. He launched the first library partnership with Headspace to offer mental health support, led passport service initiatives, and served as Deputy County Librarian in Silicon Valley, where he oversaw one of the nation’s top-performing libraries. An early advocate for digital access, he also led the launch of the country’s first online museum pass program and guided statewide storytelling projects in collaboration with StoryCorps.

Chris holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Library and Information Science. His work has been recognized with a John Cotton Dana Award, an IMLS National Medal, and honors as a Library Journal Mover and Shaker. Featured in The Washington Post and Newsweek, Chris’s achievements reflect his commitment to creating inclusive, transformative library experiences.

Mary Ellen Messner, First Deputy Commissioner

Teri Campbell, Deputy Commissioner, Administration and Finance

Maggie Clemons, Deputy Commissioner, Library Operations and Patron Experience

Deanie Adams, Director, Sulzer Regional

Shannon Bourne, Director of Library Programs and Events

Tamela Chambers, District 5 Chief, Southwest
Locations: Beverly, Brainerd, Chicago Lawn, Clearing, Gage Park, Kelly, Mount Greenwood, Scottsdale, Sherman Park, Thurgood Marshall, Walker, West Englewood, West Lawn, West Pullman, Woodson Regional and Wrightwood

Shamil Clay, Director of Marketing

Esmeralda Cossyleon, District 3 Chief, West
Locations: Archer Heights,  Austin, Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Daley, Richard M., Douglass, Galewood-Mont Clare, Garfield Ridge, Legler Regional, Little Village, North Austin, North Pulaski, Portage Cragin, Toman, West Belmont, West Chicago

Chianta Dorsey, Division Chief, Archives and Special Collections

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

Erema Jackson, Director, Finance

Shilo Jefferson, Director, Legler Regional

Julie Koslowsky, Director, Teen Services

Kate Lapinski, Director, Adult Services

Lindsay Laren, Assistant Commissioner, Collections, Content and Access

Brent Lipinski, District 1 Chief, Far North
Locations: Albany Park, Austin-Irving, Bezazian, Budlong Woods, Dunning, Edgebrook, Edgewater, Independence, Jefferson Park, Mayfair, Northtown, Oriole Park, Roden, Rogers Park, Sulzer Regional, Uptown

Shenita Mack, Interim Central Library Director and Division Chief, Central Library, General Information Services

Erin McKinnie, District 2 Chief, North
Locations: Bucktown-Wicker Park, Canaryville, Chinatown, Daley, Richard J., Humboldt Park, Lincoln Belmont, Lincoln Park, Little Italy, Logan Square, Lozano, Mabel Manning, McKinley Park, Merlo, Near North, West Loop, West Town

Patrick Molloy, Director, Government and Public Affairs

Renee Neumeier, Director of Staff Development

Julie OBrochta, Assistant Commissioner, Facility Planning and Building Operations

Mary Robinson, Director, Human Resources

Nesha Saunders, District 4 Chief, Southeast
Locations: Altgeld, Avalon, Bessie Coleman, Blackstone, Chicago Bee, Greater Grand Crossing, Hall, Hegewisch, Jeffery Manor, King, Pullman, South Chicago, South Shore, Vodak-East Side, Whitney Young

Veleda Simpson, Director, Woodson Regional

Nicole Steeves, Director, Library Technology

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