Brooks Rainwater serves as President and CEO of the Urban Libraries Council, an outcomes-driven research and innovations network of nearly 200 leading North American public libraries. Under his leadership, ULC champions the future of public libraries by engaging and uplifting members , strengthening the essential role of public libraries as dynamic places for innovation, equity, and opportunity. Rainwater advances the core vision that urban libraries are the key civic anchor institutions that provide critical resources for transforming lives and strengthening communities. Throughout his career, Rainwater has worked to advance urban policies that expand local democracy and provide funding for local programs related to economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, literacy, and equitable growth. He has advised city governments in the US and globally on a range of key urban issues.

Rainwater has published reports and articles on innovative solutions that lead to vibrant and successful places. His primary research interests center on the need to support and bolster democratic institutions, the role libraries play in the age of AI, the importance of third spaces in urban communities, and the economic impact of investing in local entrepreneurs to spur city innovation. Rainwater’s thoughts have been read, heard, and seen on MSNBC, NBC's TODAY Show, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, CNN, NPR, BBC, and the New York Times. He has also contributed writing to Fast Company, Bloomberg, TechCrunch, US News, and Fortune.

Prior to joining ULC in July 2022, Rainwater served as Senior Executive & Director, Center for City Solutions at the National League of Cities where he drove the organization’s research agenda and oversaw technical assistance efforts and leadership education. He holds a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Shamichael is a social, civic and tech innovator. As a '23 Loeb Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, he explored how urban design and planning can make for socially inclusive cities. He has served as the Senior Library Manager with Memphis Public Libraries where he guided the reimagining of the historic Cossitt Library. His 2020 TEDx talk "Reimagining the Public Library to Reconnect the Community" garnered international acclaim. In 2021 he co-founded Libraries as Bridges which focuses on evaluating how libraries build social cohesion, promote civic renewal and advance the ideals of a healthy democracy. Shamichael is the author of "Meet Me at the Library: A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy."

Michelle strengthens the urban library role in local ecosystems and advances partnerships and programs resulting in systemic change. She is known and respected throughout public libraries for her leadership to diversify the profession, to serve marginalized communities and to increase racial and social equity. Prior to joining ULC, Michelle served as Prince George's County Memorial Library System's chief operating officer and led the mission, vision, innovation and operations of the library's 19 branches and the county detention center.

Kelvin Watson is the executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, where he oversees 25 branches run by 600+ employees. Kelvin has brought innovative, award-winning leadership to Nevada’s largest library system and his deep experience in fundraising, technology, program development, and demonstrated success in addressing the digital divide, has brought a new era to this library system. Regarded as one of the most highly respected thought leaders in the library industry, Kelvin is credited with expanding his customer base in multiple library management roles, through outreach efforts to underserved and diverse populations. Kelvin joined the Library District from his role as the director of the Broward County Libraries Division, where he managed through 38 locations in the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida region. Kelvin earned a BS Degree in Business Administration, with a Minor in Military Science, from Lincoln University (MO). He earned his MLS Degree from North Carolina Central University. Kelvin is also a member of Life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and Beta Phi Mu Honor Society.