All Board of Trustees leadership positions held by African American officers

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – For the first time in the history of the Toledo Lucas County Public Library (TLCPL), all Board of Trustees leadership positions have been filled by African American officers, according to a release. The library announced that three new officers were appointed during its monthly board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Keith B. Jordan Sr. was appointed board president, while Michael Alexander Sr. was appointed board vice president and Kendra N. Smith was appointed secretary.

“This marks the first time all three board leadership positions are held by African American leaders in our community,” said Toledo Library Executive Director Jason Kucsma. “I look forward to their guidance as we continue to engage the community, inspire lifelong learning and provide universal access to information, ideas and entertainment.”

Between Jordan, Alexander and Smith, the three officers bring nearly 20 years of combined experience on the Toledo Library Board of Trustees.

Jordan holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in strategic organizational leadership from Spring Arbor University and has dedicated many years to education and youth empowerment. He focuses on creating safe school environments, advancing diversity and inclusion and promoting cultural sensitivity. His leadership has been recognized through honors including designation as a 2017 Jefferson Award regional finalist and induction into the Start High School Hall of Fame.

Alexander is a dedicated community leader and ordained deacon at United Vision Baptist Church. He served 12 years as first vice president of the Toledo Branch NAACP and as an instructor with the University of Michigan–Dearborn Labor Studies Program, Black Men in Unions. Alexander has served on numerous boards, is a 22-year employee of United Way of Greater Toledo and a proud UAW Local 12 member. He has received multiple honors, including recognition from the African American Legacy Project, the Toledo NAACP and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists for labor and community leadership.

Kendra N. Smith serves as vice president of community health and impact for Advocate Health, a multistate nonprofit health system, where she leads strategies addressing social drivers of health such as housing, food access and health care equity. She holds a Master of Public Health from Kent State University and a Master of Science in urban studies from Cleveland State University, with additional training from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and international institutions. She serves locally on the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees, where she has been president since 2005. Her honors include Toledo’s 20 Under 40 Award, induction into the Euclid High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame and the YWCA Milestone Women on the Rise Award.

For more information about the TLCPL and the Board of Trustees, visit www.toledolibrary.org/leadership/.

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