City Of Portsmouth: City Of Portsmouth Promotes Christine Friese To Library Director

Portsmouth NH

22 January, 2022

10:11 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Portsmouth: January 21, 2022 Ms. Friese joined the Library as Assistant Director in 2014, coordinating daily operations and administration, directing supervisors, and building and maintaining strong community partnerships through outreach to internal and external audiences. She brings a strong set of skills vital to effective library leadership, including experience in public and special (business) libraries at BMCP and Saint Gobain, as well as the Vermont Department of Libraries system.  She holds a BA in Foreign Languages & Literature from Bennington College, an MA in Italian from The Ohio State University and an MS in Library & Information Science from the University of Illinois. I have deeply valued Steve Butzel's work as our Library Director, and his creativity and positive leadership will be missed. However, he is leaving the Library in very capable hands. In accepting the promotion, Christine said, "The past seven years as Assistant Director have provided me with a richer, broader and deeper understanding of this library and this city than any previous library in which I have worked. Working alongside the Director through budget cycles, troubleshooting building and technology issues, working with the Trustees and observing Steve Butzel as a leader here have been extremely helpful in understanding the library, how City government operates and how to work effectively and collaboratively with all City departments." This press release was produced by the City of Portsmouth. The views expressed here are the author's own.