Kathy’s Career Experience

 

Kathy Husser is experienced in a full range of senior level  administration roles.  As the Community Services Deputy Director in Tempe, Kathy managed over 50 employees and was responsible for a $3.5 million operating budget. With 25 years of public service, Kathy has created positive service improvements,  career growth for colleagues, and sustainable results for customers.

Customer Focused

With the Board’s approval, Kathy and team produced two viable strategic plans. She was awarded numerous grants to assist Arizona citizens. Kathy’s talents were used for rebranding the library’s website,  increasing customer access by 35%. Kathy’s passion for her profession resulted being in nominated for the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal from Arizona in 2019. This award is the highest honor in the library and museum fields and recognized nationally every year.

In Kathy’s prior experience, she managed Phoenix’s systemwide programs, citywide cultural events, and training for 18 libraries. Her responsibilities included hiring and working with community organizations to ensure access and technology improvements. Kathy is highly experienced in human resource issues, contract negotiations, and volunteer management. This includes federal and state labor laws and compliance.

Education

As any good Sun Devil, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Consumer Service from Arizona State University, in Tempe.  After working in the private sector, she earned her Master’s in Information Science from the University of Arizona, in Tucson. Kathy Husser has been active in Arizona organizations relating to economic development and educational issues for years to help Arizona residents.

Professional Organizations

To keep current, Kathy has been involved in the American Library Association since 2006. Kathy has been active in the Public Library Association, United Way, and the Arizona Library Association. As the Arizona Library Legislative Chair, which she held for three years, she represented the Arizona State Library in Washington D.C. In addition, Kathy spent years serving on civic boards to assist with program funding and coordinate conference and public program development.

Throughout her career, Kathy has focused her efforts on community centric needs. She has experience developing and facilitating grant projects benefitting homeless populations, veterans, seniors, and teens. Her most recent projects include the Book Bike in Tempe, Arizona. This project was sponsored by the Arizona State Library and federal grant funds. Kathy is an experienced in project manager and end to end coordination of large community events and programs.

Mentoring

In addition to her fundraising work, Kathy is a notable public speaker. She has presented to large groups at the Phoenix Convention Center and hosted smaller groups in classroom settings. She has teaching and mentoring experience stemming from her lifelong career in business and libraries. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with new managers, colleagues, and other Arizona administrators across the state.

Kathy remains dedicated to helping her community, and living a balanced, happy life full of gratitude.  She believes kindness, trust, and values are important as leaders, and all people in general.

Follow Kathy on her personal website for more living well tips, photos, and career resources.