Who we are
Our Staff
JENNY WILKERSON
Executive Director
Twenty-year nonprofit leader and experienced fundraiser — for academic libraries and for causes ranging from health care to higher education and the environment. As a kid, she visited the old downtown Vancouver library on Mill Plain for summer reading adventures.
WHY THE LIBRARY
Librarians do the simple and the extraordinary every day to help our neighbors. It’s truly my honor to increase resources so everyone in our communities can benefit.
JENNIFER SAMWEL
Director of Development Operations
Background in non-profit fundraising, project management and building efficient systems. She grew up visiting Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries and attending storytimes at the old downtown Vancouver location.
WHY THE LIBRARY
Libraries create real access to information, opportunities and connection while also helping people build lifelong skills that stay with people far beyond a single visit.
MARY WALSH
Operations Coordinator
Background in creative occupations and business offices. She received her first library card at age four.
Why the Library
The library is a community powerhouse for absolutely everyone. And it’s free!
Sara Lee
Friends of the Library Coordinator
Retired 30 year educator and an advocate for equity and equality, she brings her passions for connection, community, reading, and growth to the FVRL District. Born with a book in her hand, she not only grew up accessing her local libraries, she served as a high school librarian empowering teens to find joy in reading.
Why the Library
Our libraries are safe community spaces where we each arrive as we are, find our own ways to belong, and share equal, free access to what we need; together we keep libraries open today and for the future.
GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to strengthening libraries across the district. It oversees the nonprofit that raises and manages private, charitable support for the library district and its 13 Friends of the Library groups — funds that go beyond what public dollars can provide, from reading program incentives to capital campaigns like the new Washougal Community Library.
This independence matters: it ensures donor gifts are governed with the oversight, accountability and transparency donors expect from a public charity — while still working hand-in-hand with library leaders to make sure every gift serves real needs.
The Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Board of Trustees oversees the library district itself — its branches, staffing, collections and public services, funded primarily through public tax dollars.
The Foundation and its Board of Directors works closely with FVRL and its Board of Trustees but the two organizations are legally and financially independent. Each has its own board, bylaws and fiduciary responsibilities.
Kristi Spurgeon
Chair
Marketing manager iQ Credit Union
Why the Library
A library is a link to hundreds of worlds and adventures and histories and how-tos. The sense of majesty and mystery and connectedness one feels inside a library is hard to replicate anywhere else. Helping to grow vibrant, inclusive libraries is a blessing.
Gail Young
Vice-chair
Community member and educator
Why the Library
The library is inclusive and it’s all about community. It’s a gift that has given me many hours of inspiration and delight…for all the time the library has given me, it’s time to give back to it!
Skyler Martin
Treasurer
Financial advisor LPL Financial
Why the Library
Some of my earliest childhood memories are going to the library with my mom to pick out books. I’ve carried this love for reading into my adult years, and I want others to be able to enjoy all the benefits of literature.
Margaret Suman
Secretary
Retired community member
Why the Library
Libraries are integral to the vibrancy of a community. Whether in a small town or a city, the library supports literacy, education, and community engagement, and gives people a window on the world. I can’t think of a better way to support my community.
Jenny Brown
Business
Owner
Why the Library
The education that all are entitled to becomes a reality at the library with its endless resources, a world of information, and an inclusive setting for everyone at every level. How could it not be the library?
Debbie Jennerjohn
Vice-chair
Owner
Ultimate Truck Service
Why the Library
Literacy has been a passion of mine starting when I was quite young and the bookmobile would come to my community in the summertime. The Library is a great conduit to reach the most people and make the biggest impact in the community.
Byron Molle
Community member, retired educator
Why the Library
I believe books have the power to add to the collective knowledge of our society. They provide an eye to the world and its endless possibilities to many people, especially the youth of our community.
Financial Statements
The documents featured below reflect our commitment to responsible financial management and demonstrate how your support has helped us make a positive impact in our communities. Thank you for being part of our mission to create a brighter future for all through the power of literacy and education.
Job Opportunities
At the Foundation, we turn generosity into real, lasting change for our libraries and the communities they serve — funding programs, supporting building projects, and rallying the volunteers and donors who make it all possible.
It’s a great place to work — with competitive salaries, stellar benefits, and joyful people who share your love of books, community building, and giving back.
We don’t have any current openings, but we’re always glad to hear from people who’d like to be part of this work. Email us at and we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities.
