Christina Faulkner, Librarian
Shawnee Community College Library (Ullin, Ill.)
I worked in the library from 2010-2017 as a clerk while earning my Master's of Library Science. Information literacy, proper research techniques, evaluating information, and recreational reading are all passions of mine. I came into my role as librarian and de facto library director for Shawnee Community College Library this January, and I'd love the opportunity to be a part of the decision making progress for IHLS on behalf of academic libraries.

Amanda Pippitt, Director/Archivist
Millikin University (Decatur, Ill.)
I have 30 years of professional experience working in academic libraries in multiple roles, including: student worker, administrative assistant, graduate assistant, archivist, and circulation, collection development, and research/instruction librarian. I first joined the Millikin University library faculty in 2004, and became director in 2021. As is typical for librarians at a small, private university, at Millikin I have worn many hats and have worked through the ongoing challenges typical of such institutions in recent times. 

In addition to my various professional roles in academic libraries, I have always been an ardent patron of my community's public library wherever I have lived. I can remember my first time using interlibrary loan, browsing the new books and my favorite genre shelves, meeting high school classmates to work on group projects, and attending special programs. A big part of the reason I was motivated to get a driver's license as a teen was to drive myself to the library whenever I needed something new to read. If elected as an IHLS board member, it would be my honor to be an advocate for the incredible ecosystem our profession has built in Illinois to support all types of libraries and the communities that need them.

Theresa Bates, Trustee
Benton Public Library District (Benton, Ill.)
Currently serving as a Library Trustee for the Benton Public Library along with serving as a member of the Benton West City Chamber of Commerce. I was elected to a position as a Commissioner for the Benton Park Board last year and previously served 4 years as the Secretary of the Benton Planning and Zoning Commission. I am also a member of the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary and assist in the community with projects. I believe it is important to give back to make our communities a better place. At the present time, I work for SSM Health Corporation as a Follow Up Representative for the past 8 years after retiring from Blue Cross and Blue Shield. I graduated from SIU Carbondale with a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Ashlie Newcomb, Trustee & Board Clerk
Ashley Public Library District (Ashley, Ill.)
I am applying for a position with the Illinois Heartland Library System to further serve the Ashley Public Library and my local community. I have been an active member of the Ashley Library Board for the past 4.5 years, during which time I have gained a strong understanding of library governance, community needs, and the importance of regional collaboration. In 2025, I accepted an officer position as Clerk of the Library Board. In this role, I have strengthened my organizational, record-keeping, and communication skills while supporting transparency and effective board operations. In addition, I am currently working toward becoming the Ashley Historian and am collaborating directly with the library to digitize the city’s historical records, ensuring long-term preservation and public access to important local history. My desire to join the Illinois Heartland Library System stems from a commitment to serve as a knowledgeable and engaged representative for the Ashley Library. I hope to bring forward new ideas, share updates and resources, and help strengthen connections between our local library and the broader system. I value collaboration, innovation, and equitable access to information, and I am eager to contribute these strengths in service to both Ashley and the regional library community.

Chaya Sandler, Trustee
Champaign Public Library (Champaign, Ill.)
Growing up in Skokie, IL, most of my childhood summer and weekend memories include exploring the Skokie Public Library’s vast collections of books and making time to explore new perspectives. As a professional, I have made my home in Champaign, IL, since 2013 and have had the pleasure of being a regular patron for the University of Illinois’ library and the Champaign Public Library. I find joy in working to make my community stronger and I believe a dedicated library system makes member libraries stronger. I currently serve as a Trustee for the Champaign Public Library and am interested in serving on the IHLS board to further my skills in shaping policies and strategic planning. If elected, I will show up, and work hard to learn more about IHLS, and attempt to positively impact the 520 Illinois libraries in the system.

Kristy Walker, Trustee
Bethalto Public Library District (Bethalto, Ill.)
I learned so much during my first term as a Trustee for IHLS and would like to build upon that foundation to better serve the library system as a whole as well as my local library. Working at my local library for over 10 years and from there, sitting on the Bethalto Library Board of Trustees for a few years led me to reach for a broader connection to my community. During my time on the IHLS Board, several projects have come to fruition, and I would love to continue the work that has been done through another term. Thank you for your consideration.

Charles Atteberry, Teacher-Librarian
Urbana High School (Urbana, Ill.)
This current school year marks my 15th year working in school libraries, primarily at the high school level, though I also have several years of experience in elementary school library positions. I am currently in my second year as a teacher-librarian at Urbana High School. In the past, I have served as the school library representative on the Resource Sharing Alliance System. Although I began my library career at the Bloomington Public Library as a library assistant, my experience with the RSA helped broaden my perspective on libraries. I feel that I would enjoy serving on the board of directors of the Illinois Heartland Library System for similar reasons and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to my career field on a broader level.

Frances Drone-Silvers, Librarian (solo)
Carle Foundation Hospital Library (Urbana, Ill.)I’ve been a librarian for 40 years, and a library systems fan for even longer. I worked at my hometown public library (Harrisburg, IL) during high school and college and was familiar with Lincoln Trail Library System’s services and resources then. Over the decades, library systems have continued to meet the challenges and concerns of Illinois libraries and have supported libraries in providing excellent service. 

It would be a privilege to serve on the IHLS Board and have an impact on the current and future issues facing libraries in Illinois.
 

Alvin Ealy, Librarian 1 
Taylorville Correctional Center (Taylorville, Ill.)
I have worked in the library field for over 12 years. I have worked as a Reference Librarian, Circulation Supervisor, Head of Adult Services, and Assistant Director. I have worked in academic and public libraries. In my current role, I am the sole Librarian running the library at the Taylorville Correctional Center. I have one clerk working under me with two more clerks going through the process to work in the library. This is my first role in a prison library and there are adjustments to be made, especially on the technology side. I would like to bring more attention to prison libraries and gain any knowledge that can make prison libraries better.

Kristi Lear, Archival Program Administrator
Illinois State Archives (Springfield, Ill.)
Libraries have played an instrumental role throughout my life. As a child, I spent hours at the library checking out books, doing research for school, and using the computers. Starting in elementary school, it was librarians who taught me to do research, and that continued into college, where the librarians were so instrumental that they inspired me to become one myself. I graduated with my Master of Science in Library and Information Sciences in 2017. I spent the first three years of my career working for the Auburn Public Library District, first as the librarian and then as the library director. It was an honor to serve the Auburn community, but an opportunity to work at the Illinois State Archives arose in 2020 that I couldn't let pass. At the Archives, I oversee the Operations Division, which includes Reference/Outreach and Inventory Control/Processing. I am also the deputy coordinator for the Illinois State Historical Records Advisory Board. I am passionate about promoting the use of primary sources in education. Libraries and archives go hand in hand as institutions of information. I have enjoyed the past three years that I have spent representing and advocating for special libraries and I look forward to the opportunity to continue working together to support and uplift each other.

Constance Lee, Cataloger
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library (Springfield, Ill.)
I have worked in libraries for over 30 years, 8 of them in special libraries, first as a corrections librarian for 14 months, and in my current position for 7 years. I have a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership and two master's degrees, one in management and organizational behavior, and the other in library and information science. I am a cataloger, but I also work the public desk, maintain the e-resources, manage the delivery service, and have been the library contact person for the system as well as for CARLI. My library has made use of the CMC to help with projects which we would never have time to do and know first-hand how important that service is to small, and understaffed libraries. I understand the unique needs of special libraries, which are very different than that of an academic or public library and feel that I can represent them and their interests on the IHLS board.