Karla Trout

Executive Director @Library System Of Lancaster County

Lancaster, PA, US

Within the authority of the Board of Directors, oversees the planning, coordination, and management of the administrative, operational, and financial activities of a 501(c) non-profit, federated public library system with a $4M annual budget. Serves to provide support for 17 library service outlets to benefit the residents of Lancaster County, with the goal of improving their lives. Utilizes active listening and transparency to build trusting relationships with the system/district board of directors, library boards and administrations, staff members, and the greater community. Responsibilities include policy formulation and implementation, operational activities, organizational communications, and resource acquisition/allocation. Oversees fiscal administration to include annual budget planning and preparation, fiscal analysis, long-term projections, and overall complex reporting. Periodically assesses and updates the infrastructure as needed to support the mission; advises and develops models for improvement within current resources; engages in regular and continuous decision making to meet the needs of the goals of the library system, while remaining nimble to adapt to changing environments, and regularly assesses the impact they will have on human and financial resources, and quality of service. Creates and fosters an environment where individuals are valued and offered opportunities to grow and prosper, where servant leadership is modeled, and integrity is paramount. Cares for and develops an outstanding team of individuals poised to provide high-level support for our libraries and constituents. Serves as the organization’s leading advocate, communicating with passion the value of the library system and its member libraries to elected officials and the greater community. Exercises independent managerial/professional judgement and assumes complete responsibility for decisions, consequences, and results.

PennWest Clarion

MSLS, Library Science

HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College

AA, Business Administration

Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Planning and Design of Public Libraries

York College of Pennsylvania

BS, Management/Human Resources