Nancy S. Kirkpatrick, JD, MS, is an accomplished leader in academic libraries, currently serving as the Dean of University Libraries at Florida International University (FIU). With operational oversight of a $17 million budget and over 100 faculty, staff, and student employees across two campuses, Nancy is a driving force behind FIU Libraries’ transformation into a modern, innovative operation. Her strategic leadership supports FIU’s community-engaged mission and the development of services that extend beyond the university, partnering with local organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami and the Green Family Foundation.
Before joining FIU in 2023, Nancy served as Executive Director & CEO of OhioNet, a consortium that supports public, academic, and special libraries. There, she implemented a rebranding initiative, launched consulting services, and developed the EXPLORE framework for strategic growth. Under her leadership, OhioNet expanded services and fostered collaborative relationships with its library members and national organizations. Nancy also runs NSK Consulting, providing expert guidance to libraries, consortia, and publishers on strategic planning and organizational development, with a focus on appreciative inquiry and human-centered design.
Nancy holds a JD from the University of Richmond and an MS in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois. Her career spans roles in library administration, legal research, and academic instruction. She has taught library management at Indiana University Indianapolis and contributed to leadership initiatives at institutions such as Marian University, where she built a team that remains highly effective years after her departure.
Nancy’s impact extends to national and international library communities through her speaking engagements, workshops, and publications. She serves on several advisory boards and remains committed to creating inclusive, forward-thinking library environments. With experience in Conversations Worth Having, Appreciative Inquiry, Human-Centered Design, and Wellbeing Facilitation, Nancy continues to advocate for employee well-being and resilience in library culture.
Amber Arroyo is a Librarian at the Florida State College at Jacksonville. She holds a Master in Library and Information Science, a Master in European History, and a Bachelor of Arts in History. She has a special interest in Digital Libraries and is currently the chair of the Florida Virtual Campus Library Accessibility Alliance Standing Committee and serves as a representative in the Library Accessibility Alliance. Amber enjoys playing tabletop games and hanging out with her four special needs cats.
Rebel Cummings-Sauls is a Director at the Florida Virtual Campus (FLVC) Library Services for the state of Florida. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Science in Information Studies. She has a special interest in Digital Services + OER and is currently the FLVC Liaison of the FLVC Library Accessibility Alliance Standing Committee and serves as a representative in the Library Accessibility Alliance. Rebel spends all her free time with her family.
Regina Burgess is the Assistant Director for the Panhandle Library Access Network, where she provides training programs and resources for library staff in a sixteen-county region. Regina has worked in public and special libraries and also has business and nonprofit work experience. Regina earned a Master of Library Science degree from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Arts in History from New Mexico State University.