After 30 years of dedicated work in the education system as a teacher, coach, vice principal, community superintendent, and principal, Ms. Leonard began an exciting new chapter. She exemplifies her leadership skills as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Howard County Library System (HCLS).
Ms. Leonard says she has always loved the HCLS because of its values, which is why she felt so drawn to the position.
“I spent a ton of time in the library growing up because I lived in Howard County. I’ve always loved the resources, the programming, and how I felt in the library,” she said. “There is so much with this job that aligns with my values.”
Ms. Leonard says as COO, she watches over the educational programs across all six HCLS branches. These programs include classes, activities, and in-branch events for library-goers. She also leads the curriculum managers of the kids, teens, and adult groups.
“I’m enthusiastic and grateful to have the opportunity to do this kind of work and to continue to contribute to the community and be of service to others,” Ms. Leonard said.
She says she will bring her leadership skills into her new job. “I want to help build the leadership capacity of those I work with,” she said. “I love leadership, and I want to learn how I can use my leadership skills in a new and different way.”
Ms. Tonya Aikens, the President and CEO of HCLS, says Ms. Leonard’s past leadership experience made her extremely qualified for the job.
“Ms. Leonard’s deep experience in education, love for community, and commitment to equity position her to excel in this role,” Ms. Aikens said. “She will play an integral role in driving our community-led strategic plan, ensuring that our classes and events meet the aspirations of everyone in Howard County.”
Past coworkers attest to Ms. Leonard’s leadership skills. Social studies teacher Ms. Katherine Volpe worked closely with Ms. Leonard on the Corner Cafe. She says Ms. Leonard is a good leader because she listens to others.
“When Ms. Leonard is listening, she’s not thinking about what she wants to say. She’s processing people’s experiences and people’s stories, and I think she makes decisions that will help the most people,” said Ms. Volpe.
Senior Jane Mhonda, who frequents the library, says Ms. Leonard’s skills as a leader were obvious because she was a “great advocator for students’ needs at Wilde Lake.”
“Ms. Leonard will be a great addition to the library system because she will bring the skill set that she used so well at Wilde Lake,” said Jane.
Ms. Leonard stepped into her new position ready to listen and learn from others.
“First and foremost, my job is to be quiet, listen, and learn. Frequently, leaders come into new spaces and feel like they have to make their mark right away and demonstrate that they’re a leader, so they’ll bring ideas that aren’t aligned to what the organization values,” Ms. Leonard said. “I’m going to keep [my ideas] to myself as I listen and learn, and then I’ll be able to collaborate and partner with the folks in the organization to move forward on some of my ideas in the future.”
