Kathy Donellan Appointed Interim Library Director

Published on February 21, 2024

Search committee selected to identify replacement for longtime Director Ramiro S. Salazar

SAN ANTONIO (February 21, 2024) – The San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees, in coordination with City Manager Erik Walsh, has appointed Kathy Donellan to serve as Interim Library Director. Kathy will step into the top executive role for the San Antonio Public Library on March 2, 2024, while a permanent replacement is sought for Ramiro S. Salazar, who will retire as Library Director next month after 19 years. The appointment was made during a special meeting of the Library Board of Trustees Tuesday evening at Central Library.

“Kathy Donellan has the experience and fortitude to step seamlessly into the Interim Director position at the San Antonio Public Library,” said Walsh. “Her impressive career spans decades in municipal government leadership roles, including 15 years as part of the executive team for the Library. Ramiro is not an easy leader to replace, but we are confident that Kathy is well-positioned to lead the Library with intent and precision through this period.”

Ms. Donellan has over 27 years of local government experience, including 18 years with the San Antonio Public Library and the City of San Antonio. She began her career with the Library as the Department’s Fiscal Administrator and was promoted to Interim Assistant Director in 2009. She was permanently appointed to the Library’s Assistant Director role in 2011. Prior to joining the City of San Antonio in 2005, she worked for the City of Austin for 9 years in the Controller’s Office, City Manager’s Office, and the Budget Office.

“The Board is prepared and energized for this next chapter of leadership for the Library,” said Board Chair Juspreet Kaur. “We know that oversight of the Library system is in good hands with Kathy Donellan while we search for a permanent Library Director. Following Ramiro will be an exceptionally difficult challenge for any individual, but the Library Board of Trustees is committed to a thorough vetting and recruitment process to identify a candidate who will bring outstanding leadership and vision to the Library.”

The Board of Trustees also appointed members to an Executive Search Committee who will be tasked with organizing the search for Salazar’s successor. The Committee will be comprised of Library Trustees Judy Cruz (Chair), Beth Graham, Andrea Sanchez-Muñiz, Jo Ann Harris and Paul Stahl as well as Assistant City Manager David W. McCary and Past Library Board Chair Jean Brady—a representative from the community. The committee will work closely with the City Manager’s Office to organize and carry out a nationwide search for the San Antonio Public Library’s next Director. The Committee will consider, both internal and external candidates.

Salazar, who served the Library System for a total of 25 years, including 19 as Director, announced his retirement in January. His tenure was marked by growth and expansion of the San Antonio Public Library including the opening of new locations and the development and launch of numerous new collections, programs, and resources.

The nationwide search for a new Library Director is expected to take approximately nine months.