Gallia County District Library Board of Trustees

 

The Gallia County District Library Board of Trustees consists of seven members: three of whom are appointed by the Gallia County Common Pleas Judge and four of whom are appointed by the Gallia County Board of Commissioners, for a seven year term each and eligible for re-appointment for successive terms. The Board of Trustees holds regular monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Library, unless advertised otherwise. Library board meetings are conducted in compliance with the Ohio Sunshine Laws.

Gallia County District Library Board of Trustees:

 

Robert E. Jenkins, President

Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration; University of New Mexico

Owner & President: O'Dell True Value Lumber Co., Gallipolis, Ohio

Owner & President: Robbie's BP, Gallipolis, Ohio

Past President & Owner of Gallia Vending, servicing southern Ohio from 1984-2012

Past President and Owner of Smokin' Rob's, State of Ohio Liquor Store & Drive Thru, Gallipolis, Ohio from 2000-2011

Past President of Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation

Past President of Gallipolis Retail Merchants Association

Past Treasurer & Keeper of the Keys of the Gallia County Gun Club

Member of the Original French 500 that settled Gallipolis in 1790

4th generation Library Board member

2022: Ohio Library Council Trustee Award of Achievement recipient

Participated in seven library levy campaigns: three of which were successful, including two continuous operating levies, securing funding for expansion of library programs and services for Gallia County citizens

 

Jacob Attar, Vice President

Bachelor of Science, Integrated Business Education; University of Rio Grande

Master of Education in Educational Leadership; University of Rio Grande

Educator/Administrator, Gallia County Local Schools

"I regularly visit the library with my wife Hillary, and our daughters Aliyah and Avery. As a patron, I have been amazed at what our local library has offered our community from the Space and Bodies exhibits to visits with Peppa Pig and Santa's Reindeer. Our library is constantly looking for new ways to bring the community in the door. I feel both honored and privileged to serve as a Library Trustee, and look forward to playing even a small role in the Library's continued success and growth."

 

Larry Shong, Secretary

Native of Gallia County

Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education; University of Rio Grande

Master of Education with Certification in Elementary Administration and Supervision; University of Dayton

Educator: Southwestern High School (English, grades 9-11) and Vinton Elementary School (Grades 4-8)

Coached Varsity baseball at North Gallia High School and Jr. High basketball at Vinton

4-H Advisor (22 years); Member, 4-H Executive Committee; Member, Gallia County Junior Fair Board (2 terms); Member, Woodland Center Board (2 terms), President 1990-1991; Founder of ADE and first ADE President, University of Rio Grande; Has served on the Library Board since 1994 (served four years as President)

Member of Vinton Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star

Member of Calvary Baptist Church

Appointed by Kentucky Governor as Accepted Member of Kentucky Colonels (1996)

Wife: Joyce (Thomas) Shong

"Due to my educational background, I realize the importance of the public library's role in educating those in our community. I am proud to serve as a Library Trustee."

 

Leanna Martin

Bachelor of Arts; Capital University

Master's Degree, Educational Administration; Ohio University

Elementary Teacher at Addaville Elementary, Gallia County Local Schools

Husband: Rick Martin; Children: Jarrett, Grace, and Peri

Enjoys gardening, fishing, swimming, playing/watching volleyball, and attending collegiate fishing tournaments

"As one who enjoys reading and learning, I believe our library provides multiple benefits and opportunities to our community. I have a real heart for the youth and future of Gallia County. I believe our library is the core of our community and is here to help facilitate success with both."

 

Traci Sisson-Good

Bachelor of Arts, Speech Pathology and Audiology; Marshall University

Master of Arts, Communication Disorders; Marshall University

Speech Pathologist, Holzer Clinic/Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis, Ohio, 1995-2012

Director of Therapy Services, Holzer Medical Center, Jackson, Ohio, 2012-present

Husband: Dr. Christopher Good.

Enjoys traveling, singing, water sports, church activities, and family time. Completed multiple medical missions abroad including work with Operation Smile and World Gospel Mission.

Life Quotes: "Be kind to people, everyone you meet is carrying a burden"; "Sometimes the right decision is not comfortable."

"The Library provides opportunities for all to learn new skills and further one's education. The Library also continues to be an outreach resource that provides programs and reading materials to those who visit the facility and to those who are homebound."

 

Debbie Rhodes

Gallia Academy High School graduate

Bachelor's Degree, Elementary Education; University of Rio Grande

Master's Degree, Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading Supervision; Ohio University

Retired Reading teacher and educator

Member of the Gallia County Chapter of the Ohio Retired Teachers Association

Member of the Gallipolis Chapter of the Books and Friends Book Club, the Books and More Book Club, and many other organizations

Husband: Mike Rhodes

 

Randy L. Christian

Bachelor of Arts, Industrial Technologies; Rio Grande University

Engineering Services Manager, ElectoCraft Inc.

Gallia Academy Varsity Tennis Coach & PTR Certified Instructor

Member of First Baptist Church, Gallipolis

My wife Tina and son Connor are a close-knit family.

Enjoys kayaking, cycling, tennis, pickleball, target shooting, & listening to both live and recorded music.

"Our library is truly one of my favorite places to frequent in our community. It is my pleasure to serve on the board of trustees. I am excited to be a part of the future enhancements of our great library."