2024 NYLA-SSL Election

Welcome to the 2024 NYLA-SSL Election Candidate Page! This election cycle will run from June 1st - June 15th. You can learn about your candidates below. If you are looking for the NYLA Council Election candidates, please click here. To vote in this election, you can either log into your account and click the "NYLA Election" link or you can click the button below come June 1st. Please note, you must be an NYLA-SSL member to vote in this election. Thank you for using your voice to shape the future of our association!

President-Elect - Amber Aldridge

 School Librarian, Ogdensburg City School District

Candidate Statement: Libraries are the cornerstone of our world and without them, we would not be able to provide guidance, escape, or information to our patrons. While I have only been a librarian for the past ten years, I feel that in those ten years, I have learned a great deal from many of you. I was honored when the nominating committee called me asking if I would accept this position. The past two years serving as the NYLA/SSL 2024 Conference Co-Chair have prepared me to take on this role. Prior to being the 2024 Conference Co-Chair, I was also the Region 5 coordinator on the SSL Board. I am grateful for this opportunity and I'm looking forward to building a stronger library community with you.

Candidate Bio: Amber Aldridge is the current 7-12 librarian at Ogdensburg City School District. Prior to this position, I was the shared media librarian for St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES and Morristown Central School District for 9.5 years. I have been a member of NYLA/SSL since 2013. I have been a member of my regional affiliate SLNNY since 2013. As a member of my affiliate, I have been the secretary for the last 5 years. For the past 2 years, I have been the Co-Chair of the SSL 2024 conference. I was also the Region 5 Coordinator for a four-year term. I recently got married on October 13, 2023. I am also a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators Gamma Epsilon Chapter. I am the president of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter and the State Editor for the New York State Organization.

Vice President of Communications - Sharon Fox

School Librarian, Newburgh Enlarged City School District

Candidate Statement: Serving as your VP of Communications has been an honor and a privilege that I hold dear. Over the past term, we have navigated the complexities of our evolving professional landscape, striving to enhance the value and impact of our work within communities and schools across New York. I am running for a second term with a renewed commitment to our shared goals and the vision of NYLA/SSL. During my tenure, we have made significant strides in improving our communication channels, ensuring that our members are informed, engaged, and empowered. We have worked diligently to create platforms for open dialogue, collaboration, and political change. These efforts have not only strengthened our community but have also amplified our voice in advocating for the critical role of libraries and librarians in fostering literacy, learning, and access to information. As I look forward to the possibility of serving you again, I am eager to build on these foundations, exploring innovative ways to connect, communicate, and advocate for our profession. My commitment to NYLA/SSL is unwavering, and my enthusiasm for the work we do together grows stronger with each passing day. I am proud of what we have accomplished and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I believe that together, we can continue to make a significant impact, supporting each other and advancing our mission. I humbly ask for your vote, allowing me the opportunity to serve as your VP of Communications for a second term. Let's continue the journey, embracing the challenges and opportunities of the future, and shaping the landscape of librarianship in New York for the better.

Candidate Bio: Sharon earned her MSLIS from Syracuse University (2010) and is now happily working as a 6-8 librarian in the Newburgh Enlarged City School District. She is proud to be working with Project Look Sharp as a Collaborative Activity Production Leader as well as through the Librarians as Leaders for Media Literacy initiative. Best known in the library world for her lesson plan templates, Sharon has presented at NYLA, NYLA/SSL, NYSCATE, Hudson Valley area BOCES, North Country area BOCES, and at family dinners when information literacy interventions were necessary. Sharon is a member of the American Library Association, The American Association of School Librarians, The New York Library Association, The New York Library Association Section of School Librarians, and the National Association for Media Literacy Education.

Secretary - Serena Waldron

Elementary School Librarian, Oswego City School District

Candidate Statement: I am thrilled to have this opportunity to run for Secretary of the NYLA/SSL Board. With 11 years of experience as an elementary librarian and a history of leadership roles, I am eager to use this opportunity to broaden and deepen my knowledge of the NYLA/SSL Board while also finding new ways to serve my fellow school librarians. I am deeply committed to our profession and invested in its progress and growth. Thank you for your trust and support.

Candidate Bio: Serena Waldron has been an elementary school librarian in the Oswego City School District for 11 years. Previously, she served on the Social Media Squads for various AASL conferences, co-chaired the NYLA/SSL 2022 and NYLA 2023 annual conferences, held two terms as the Region 6 Representative on the NYLA/SSL board, and received the 2023 CNYSL Soaring through Excellence Award. Currently, she is VP of CNYSL (Incoming President), the 5th/6th Grade Chair on the O2CM SLS Battle of the Books Committee and the NYLA/SSL 3 Apples Award Committee Chair.

 Region 2 Coordinator - Donna Gray

Library Coordinator, New York City School Library System

Candidate Statement: I have actively fortified my dedication to the field through my tenure as the chair of the BCALA & SLJ Children & Young Adult Literary Awards. Furthermore, my academic achievements have allowed me to develop innovative programs that empower students to become active learners and citizens. My professional journey has been characterized by multifaceted engagements, encompassing roles such as Senior Young Adult Librarian at the esteemed New York Public Library, adjunct instruction at St. John Fisher University, and executive committee membership at Project Cicero. These diverse experiences have imbued me with a profound comprehension of the imperative facets of fostering literacy, championing diversity, and advocating for the universal accessibility of educational resources. The prospect of continuing my service to our community fills me with immense enthusiasm, and I would be profoundly honored to secure this position. I hope to embark on this endeavor to shape a brighter future for generations to come, working in collaboration with my colleagues throughout the state. I extend my sincere gratitude for considering my candidacy.

Candidate Bio: Donna Gray is a Library Coordinator for the New York City School Library System, boasting over 20 years of experience spanning K-12 education, library services, and higher education. Her diverse background includes roles at the New York Public Library, Teacher's College, and the New York City Department of Education. Donna currently holds leadership positions as the chair of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association & School Library Journal's Children & Young Adult Literary Awards, an executive committee member of Project Cicero, and an adjunct instructor at St. John Fisher University. Donna holds a Master's in Library Science with a School Library Media concentration from Queens College, CUNY, and a Master's in Educational Leadership from Bankstreet College. Her expertise extends across K-12, public, and reference library settings. Passionate about empowering students to become engaged, informed, and active citizens, Donna is committed to developing strategies and programs that foster learning and civic engagement within communities.

Region 4 Coordinator - Debra Armbruster

School Librarian, Schenectady High School

Candidate Statement: "If you are not at the table, then you could be on the menu" (Rusk, 2002). While there have been many variations on this quote, I find myself drawn to Teachers Union President Pat Rusk's 2002 version. In my work as a librarian and an educator, it swiftly became apparent that advocacy and cooperative work is what keeps us able to continue delivering information and resources to our librarians, patrons, and students. My work with SSL as Region 4 Regional Coordinator, and ENYSLMA (Region 4 Roundtable), allow me to serve locally and collaborate with librarians statewide.

Candidate Bio: Debra has delightedly taught as a certified school librarian for the past 8 years. She found her way to librarianship by a circuitous route; from teacher prep to creative writing, vocal performance, and then back to teacher prep. No time learning is ever wasted, and Debra has been able to bring her talents to librarianship. Debra has described herself as a recovering English teacher, enjoying the flexibility and dynamic changes librarians work through every day, while maintaining an understanding of the pressures of the traditional classroom experience. Shushing may not be her strong suit, but an infectious love of literature and creating an accessible, safe environment that fosters intellectual growth is. She lives in the Capital District, is part of an amazing three-librarian team at Schenectady High School, and enjoys being outside, traveling, and kicking back with her husband, dog, and three cats. Look for her at NYLA/SSL events, and shamelessly promoting school libraries as ENYSLMA President.

Region 6 Coordinator - Penny Feeney

School Librarian, Onondaga Hill Middle School, Westhill Central School District

Candidate Statement: As a busy single mom, my primary focus has always been on providing for and raising my two children. However, now that they've grown and I find myself with more time on my hands, I am eager to take a more active role in NYLA. I am passionate about the importance of fostering leadership and encouraging talented individuals to explore the field of librarianship. Throughout my career as an educator and school librarian, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of literature and learning. I firmly believe that being a school librarian is one of the most rewarding and impactful roles one can have. It's a privilege to inspire students' love of reading, learning, and exploration every day. By representing Region 6 in NYLA-SSL, I hope to contribute to the growth and development of the organization, as well as advocate for the needs and interests of librarians in our region. I am dedicated to supporting and empowering my fellow librarians, as well as promoting the value of libraries and literacy in our communities.I am deeply honored to be considered for this role, and I am committed to serving with integrity, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for the field of librarianship. Thank you for your consideration.

Candidate Bio: Meet Penny Feeney, a dedicated and passionate educator. With a background in early childhood education spanning 26 years, Penny brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her role as a school librarian at Onondaga Hill Middle School in the Westhill Central School District in Syracuse, NY. Penny's committed to fostering her students' love of learning. Whether through author visits, technology initiatives, or student leadership programs like the iStaff, she strives to create engaging and enriching experiences for her students. And she does it all with a sprinkle of humor and fun, making learning an enjoyable adventure. Penny can be found indulging in her love for the ocean and beachcombing. She makes it a point to visit the beaches of North Carolina at least twice a year. Family holds a special place in Penny's heart, and she cherishes moments spent with her loved ones, including her sweet cats, Mr. Ollivander and Luna Lovegood, and her rescue dog, Lulu. Currently, Penny is eagerly looking forward to her daughter's wedding in January 2025.

Region 8 Coordinator - Tatjana Ravnik

School Librarian, Binghamton City School District

Candidate Statement: Taking on the role of Region 8 Coordinator is the perfect opportunity to assume more leadership within NYLA SSL. I promise to attend my local affiliate's meetings as well as the SSL Board meetings and to communicate activities, events, and needs to the board. Thank you.

Candidate Bio: Tatjana is currently a librarian at Binghamton High School. She loves working with students and teachers on finding books, using online information resources, and creating a diverse collection - basically all things library. She has been a Middle School Librarian, a District Librarian, a Middle School Science Teacher in CA & NY, an Upper Elementary Teacher, and a research librarian for the US Army Civilian Corps.