Houston has turned a new page in its public library leadership, as Mayor John Whitmire appoints Cynthia Wilson as the interim Executive Director of the Houston Public Library System (HPL). Former educator and workplace performance expert, Wilson is keeping her role as the mayor's Senior Advisor for Organizational Culture and Education while she helms the city's libraries. In her career, Wilson has been at the educational forefront as an elementary school principal and in several leadership roles within various school districts.

Starting immediately, Wilson was handpicked by Mayor Whitmire to quickly begin to address the challenges within HPL. "I am grateful Cynthia agreed to serve in this interim role, and I have asked her to immediately go to work on improving communications, management, employee morale, and operations throughout HPL," Whitmire said, according to an announcement. Her appointment comes with the large responsibility of overseeing 44 public service units, which include a range of libraries and research centers sprawling across Houston's vast service area.

With an extensive educational background, Dr. Wilson boasts a Doctor of Education from South Carolina State University and a Master of Education from the University of Houston. Her academic achievements are topped with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. Her experience and education are expected to guide the HPL in its mission to continue providing top-notch library services to Houston's 2.3 million residents.

Wilson steps into vacant shoes left by Dr. Rhea Lawson, who had been at the helm since 2005. The city extends its gratitude towards Dr. Lawson for her years of dedication and wished her "the best in all future endeavors". The transition points to a new chapter for HPL, with a focus on enhancing the library as a community hub for literacy, learning, and culture, under the fresh leadership of Dr. Cynthia Wilson.