We are pleased to announce the appointment of three members to our national board of directors: Heather Butts, Shauntina Lilly and Jen Thorson.
Heather Butts of New York City is an assistant professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and cofounder of H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths, a nonprofit organization focusing on college readiness and helping students achieve their dreams. Professor Butts received a B.A. from Princeton University, J.D. from St. John’s University School of Law, Master’s in Public Health from Harvard University, and Master’s in Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Shauntina Lilly of Cleveland Heights, Ohio serves as the manager of public relations and diversity & inclusion at JOANN Stores, a national craft retailer based in Ohio. Lilly utilizes her 13-year background in public relations to combat crisis matters, manage brand perception and partner with influential media and content creators. Additionally, Lilly has led the company’s diversity and inclusion focus from inception, fostering a culture of belonging and representation.
Jen Thorson of Saint Paul, Minn. is a nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations. Her most recent role was Chief Operating Officer for Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys, one of the largest Girl Scout councils in the nation. Before joining Girl Scouts, Thorson worked in higher education and journalism. She is an active volunteer, advocate and speaker in the Twin Cities community.
“Little Free Library has benefitted from strong board support since its inception,” said LFL Executive Director Greig Metzger. “It is an honor and pleasure to introduce our three newest national board members who continue in that tradition.
“Heather Butts has been a long-time Little Free Library steward and partner through her H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths nonprofit organization. Shauntina Lilly is a fierce literacy advocate, having worked on a number of Little Free Library projects in Akron, Cleveland and the surrounding communities. Our third new member, Jen Thorson, joins the Little Free Library board from our new hometown of Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she has served as a senior executive for a number of nonprofits and stewards her own Little Free Library at home. I look forward to working with all three in our mission to build community, inspire readers and expand book access for all,” Metzger concluded. Butts, Lilly and Thorson join a board of directors that now totals 14 members. The board provides mission and financial guidance to the LFL organization.
Learn more about the Little Free Library board and staff, and read previous board member spotlights.