Washington, DC — The Urban Libraries Council is proud to announce the 2025-2026 Board of Directors, elected and confirmed during ULC's virtual Annual Business Meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The ULC Board provides strategic oversight, industry perspective and vision that guides the continued evolution of the organization.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of leaders to ULC’s Board of Directors,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “This year’s board represents a dynamic and diverse mix of library directors, trustees, and civic community leaders—all united by a shared commitment to advancing the transformative power of public libraries. Their insights and leadership will be invaluable as we shape the future of urban libraries together.”

Four Board officers were elected by the ULC membership, including:

• Joey Crawford (Chair, Broward Public Library Foundation and Senior Media Consultant, Cox Media Group Miami) — Board Chair
• Heidi Daniel (Executive Director, King County Library System) — Vice Chair/Chair-Elect
• Pilar Martinez (Chief Executive Officer, Edmonton Public Library) — Immediate Past Chair
• Brian Bannon (Merryl and James Tisch Director, New York Public Library) – Secretary/Treasurer

ULC members also elected two new Board members and reelected five returning Board members, who will all serve two-year terms.

• Ron Gonzales (President and CEO, Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and Former Mayor, San José)— First Term
• Fernando Mesa (Councilman, Jacksonville Beach City Council) — First Term
• Misty Jones (Director, San Diego Public Library) — Second Term
• Jennie Pu (Director, Hoboken Public Library) — Second Term
• Alim Remtulla (Chair, Toronto Public Library and Vice President of People and Culture, Georgian College)— Second Term
• Catherine Strauss (Board Member, Columbus Metropolitan Library Board of Trustees and Managing Partner, Ice Miller LLP) — Second Term
• Dr. Michele Bria (Vice President, Milwaukee Public Library Board of Trustees and Chief Executive Officer, Journey House)— Third Term

Biographical information about the ULC Board officers and members can be found at urbanlibraries.org/about/executive-board.