Chief Executive Officer
Edmonton Public Library

After consulting with key partner groups at Edmonton Public Library, the following opportunities and challenges were identified for the new CEO:

Lead one of North America’s premier Library Systems

Edmonton Public Library is widely regarded as one of the top library systems in North America, with a strong reputation for program and service excellence, innovation, and operational performance. EPL is a deeply embedded cornerstone of the community, with 21 branches, financial stability, and an excellent working relationship with Edmonton’s City Council. This presents an exceptional opportunity for a CEO to steward a high-performing institution – maintaining what is working well while guiding EPL through its next strategic chapter.

Shape the Next Strategic Era

EPL is in the midst of finalizing its latest Strategic Plan, presenting the new CEO with the opportunity to execute on a well thought out foundation and adding their own colour to its interpretation and execution. Key to success will be ensuring ambition is balanced with organizational capacity, continuing to strengthen innovation across the organization, and effectively transitioning EPL from a long-tenured and highly respected leader. The incoming CEO will step into a thriving organization and will be tasked with building on EPL’s legacy while establishing themselves as a leader capable of taking the organization into its next phase.

Be a Visible Advocate and Civic Leader

The CEO will serve as the public face and chief advocate for EPL, the embodiment of a community building organization, strengthening relationships with City Council, municipal leadership, and community partners. EPL is viewed as exceptionally well-run, however there is an opportunity to further position the library as an essential civic service by demonstrating value and relevance, supporting strong budget outcomes, and elevating its external profile with both elected officials and the broader community. As the face of the organization, the CEO will represent the organization to City Council, community partners, and other organizations across Canada and internationally.

Uphold Standards of Intellectual Freedom

Public Libraries hold a well‑established commitment to intellectual freedom, while operating in an environment where contested content, programming, and access are creating new challenges. The incoming CEO will have the opportunity to provide principled leadership, ensuring EPL adheres to its core values, ensuring clarity, consistency, and credibility on related issues with staff, the public, and all levels of government. This represents a meaningful leadership challenge, requiring sound judgement in navigating public scrutiny and pressure to strengthen EPL’s role as a trusted institution within the city of Edmonton and a cornerstone of intellectual freedom and learning.

Navigate Safety and Security Challenges

Like many urban library systems, EPL faces increasing safety and security pressures. While initiatives are in place, staff feedback highlights the importance of not only taking action but also clearly communicating those actions and decisions. The CEO will need to demonstrate measured judgment and courage in supporting staff, maintaining public trust, and ensuring safety strategies are well understood and consistently applied across the system.

Mentor the Team; Build Trusting Relations with the Union

This is a large leadership mandate as the CEO oversees over 600 staff, ensuring an inclusive and equitable work environment. EPL operates in a complex, unionized environment, with labour relations recently strained but showing signs of improvement. With a recent collective agreement in place the CEO will play a critical role in continuing the reset of the relationship with the union. An opportunity exists for a new leader to bolster relations with staff and the union.