Star Award Nominations and Winners
The NEO-RLS Rising Star Award
We are pleased to recognize the winner of the
2024 NEO-RLS Rising Star Award, Bryanta Spencer
Social Work Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library
“I believe Bryanta’s presence in this system has created a sense of peace for our staff in that they can focus on their role and know they have a well-equipped licensed professional to consult with and refer customers. Bryanta recognizes the ongoing needs of the communities we serve and has not wavered in her advocacy of strengthening this library system with resources and talent.”
Congratulations Bryanta Spencer, 2024 recipient of the Rising Star Award!
We would also like to recognize the Rising Star Nominees: Kathy Bennett, Library Director, Columbiana Public Library; Rebekah Hire-Santoro, Head of Marketing and Emerging Technology, Huron Public Library; Kayana Martin, Teen Librarian, Twinsburg Public Library; Raquel Bair Scheetz, Library Director, Greenford Public Library; Danielle Weiser-Cline, Youth Services and Outreach Coordinator, Kingsville Public Library; and Katie Whisler, Youth Services Assistant, Geauga County Public Library.
The NEO-RLS Shooting Star Award
2024 NEO-RLS Shooting Star Award, Paula Wagner
Head of Adult Services, Geauga County Public Library
Congratulations Paula Wagner, 2024 recipient of the Shooting Star Award!
We would also like to recognize the Shooting Star nominees: Sylvia Chris, Branch Librarian, Akron-Summit County Public Library; Laura D'Amato, Access Services Librarian, Baldwin Wallace University; Charlene Helsel-Kather, Circulation Supervisor, Hubbard Public Library; Abigail Krukemeyer, Teen Librarian, Akron-Summit County Public Library; Ris Labib, Adult Services Librarian, Akron-Summit County Public Library; and Lauren Marshall, Collection Analyst, John Carroll University.
The NEO-RLS Super Star Award
We are pleased to recognize the winner of the
2024 NEO-RLS Super Star Award, Mary Anne Russo
Children's Librarian, Hubbard Public Library
“Mary Anne Russo recognizes, acknowledges and celebrates the abilities and efforts of all involved in the projects she organizes and leads. And, conversely, all involved in these projects recognize this true leadership and skill in Mrs. Russo herself. True leadership, as she exemplifies, is about empowerment. She is a gifted mentor, and her staff, her colleagues and all with whom she interacts benefit from her mentorship.”
Congratulations Mary Anne Russo, 2024 recipient of the Super Star Award!
We would also like to recognize the Super Star nominees: Stephanie Baker, Technical Services Manager, Stark County Library; Mike Derr, Development Director, Akron-Summit County Public Library; Jodie Hawkins, Librarian Specialist, Stark County Library; Linda Kridler, Head of Circulation, Columbiana Public Library; Rita Mabry, Branch Coordinator, Wayne County Public Library; Stella Metcalf, Public Services Manager, Ashland Public Library; Diane Nagy, Children's Librarian, Akron-Summit County Public Library; and Kathy Runser, Deputy Director, Elyria Public Library.
The Star Awards recognize exceptional contributions made by library employees in Northeast Ohio, enriching both the libraries and the communities they serve.
Award categories include:
Rising Star - Less than 5 years of service.
Shooting Star - 5 - 20 Years of service.
Super Star - More than 20 years of service.
The nomination form will be available in the near future. Winners will be selected by a panel comprised of representatives from the NEO-RLS membership, board, and the State Library of Ohio. Join us at the 2025 annual Open House for the presentation of awards.