Rob Banks, Chief Operating officer, keeps an eye on all the different parts it takes to keep the library functioning every day.

As the Chief Financial Officer, Kim Torrey directs and manages all financial operations and systems, prepare the budget, prepares financial statements for the annual audit, ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and prepares financial analyses.

Paul Brennan is Collections Director and he makes sure we have the stuff you want and need and helps you use your library account to get access to it.

Jesse Maddox is the Human Resources Director at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. He leads the staff responsible for recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce of employees and volunteers, employee compensation and benefits plans, organizational culture and employee engagement, employee relations, and legal compliance. Jesse likes to spend time with his family and attend sporting events.

Scarlett Fisher-Herreman is the Technical Services & Collection Development Supervisor. She leads an awesome team of people who order, catalog and manage the library’s physical and digital collections.

Thad Hartman is the Chief of Staff at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. He is responsible for leading operational and administrative functions for Collections, Community & Strategic Services, Facilities, Public Services and Safety & Security. In addition, he assists the CEO and Management Council in ensuring that services and resources align with organizational priorities and are reflective of, and responsive to, identified community needs.

Thad began his career as a shelving assistant at the library in 1993. He has worked in a variety of positions at the library, including most recently as Community and Strategic Services Manager. He has lead numerous projects throughout his career including the implementation of the Library @ Work program, Smartlockers, and the community center computer labs. He has also been the co-host of Hush, the library’s podcast, for the last several years. Two of the major initiatives that Thad is currently focused on is the implementation of the Facilities Master Plan and Community Impact Goals.

As a lifelong Topekan Thad developed his love of reading at a young age by going to the library and checking out Choose Your Own Adventure books, sports biographies, and books about bigfoot. Thad’s proudest moments at the library include being a member of the 2016 Library of the Year, being named an American Library Association Emerging Leader in 2006, and once managing the library softball team to a 1-11 record.

Sandy Hestand has more than 10 years of experience bringing the library out into the community through bookmobile outreach services. She is also a mother, musician and CDL licensed driver. Sandy believes libraries are the heart and soul of the community and she believes in the life changing power of knowledge.

Stephanie Hall has been with the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library since 2000. As the learning experiences manager she works to spark your curiosity and feed it through thought-provoking and fun programs. Stephanie is ready to help everyone discover their passion for learning.

Nancy Lindberg is the Executive Director of The Library Foundation, the fundraising arm of the library. No matter if a bookmobile is needed or books for pre-kindergarteners, she is willing to ask the many supporters of the library for their financial assistance.

Mary is the manager of the Friends of the Library, an organization committed to supporting the library through advocacy and fundraising. She is passionate about working hand-in-hand with Friends members to continue to make the library innovative and relevant to the community.

David Lee King is the Digital Services Director at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, where he plans, implements, and experiments with emerging technology trends. He speaks internationally about social media, emerging technology trends, and libraries. David maintains a blog at davidleeking.com.

John Kugler is the Facilities Manager. He makes sure the building is well maintained inside and out.

Greg works with both staff and the community on safety and security issues and training. He is a member of Safe Streets and American Society for Industrial Security. Greg began at the library in 2000 to start the security department, staffed with in-house officers and off-duty law enforcement officers.

Marie Pyko is the library’s Public Services Director. She manages projects, leads teams, develops strategic plans and works every day to ensure exceptional services for our youngest to oldest citizens in Topeka and Shawnee County.

As Staff Development Coordinator, Kristin is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing programs and training to improve organizational performance and employee skills. Staff development helps to ensure the library maintains its focus on excellence in team leadership and dedicated service to its community, customers, and partners.

Ivan is the Facilities Supervisor. His primary work revolves around leading our custodial staff in the use of recognized quality methods to ensure a clean and properly set up library.

Ruth Rodden leads the teams that get materials on the shelves for you to browse, makes sure your library accounts are up to date, and answers your questions.

LeAnn Brungardt takes play very seriously and has the joy of working alongside a crew that does the same. Together they support curiosity, creativity, tenacity and literacy in children, teens and families. She is probably the only member of management who has crayons in her office desk. Green is her favorite.

Diana Friend is the Communications & Marketing Director of the best library in the universe! From media relations to poster production, she tells the library’s story.

Autumn Friedli supervises the readers team, which includes the senior services/Red Carpet team and other staff who primarily focus on reading.

Debbie Stanton supervises the information and learning team. She supports and mentors our staff in the Topeka Room, Alice C. Sabatini Gallery and the reference staff.

Kelli Smith supports the staff who keep the books, movies and music on the shelves, at SmartLockers and at Library @ Work sites, and staff who borrow materials for you from other libraries.