TOMPKINS COUNTY, N.Y.—The Tompkins County Public Library Foundation has its newest leader, as Kerry Barnes has been promoted to executive director of the library’s primary fundraising arm.
Barnes had already been elevated to the role as interim executive director in November 2021, but has now had the interim tag removed. She began as assistant director in 2017.
“We are so excited to have Kerry in this role,” said Dominick Recckio, the Library Foundation Board President and Tompkins County’s Director of Communications. “Kerry is a fierce advocate for our library and has done great work through the foundation. At the foundation we fundraise to support the incredible efforts of TCPL, and I know that Kerry will continue to be a great leader in that work.”
The library’s assistant director, Teresa Vadakin, also praised Barnes’ “collaborative style, creativity and passion.”
Perhaps the most notable of the foundation’s efforts is the TCPL Readathon, which is being held on May 7, 2022 for its 10th year.
“I am so honored and humbled to be selected to lead the Library Foundation in its work supporting TCPL,” Barnes said. “I’m looking forward to working with the Library staff, Trustees, and the Friends of the Library as we move into our next chapter.”