By Madina Toure
Former city Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott has been selected as the new president and CEO of the Queens Library, the chairman of the board of trustees announced.
Walcott, a lifelong southeast Queens resident, has been serving as the monitor of the East Ramapo School District. He served as chancellor from 2011 through 2013 after working as former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s deputy mayor for education and community development for eight years. He is expected to start the position in mid-March.
“I look forward to working with all the fantastic, creative, dynamic staff and friends and visiting every community library, meeting and listening to their ideas and participating in initiatives that make life better and richer for their neighborhoods,” Walcott said.
Interim President and CEO Bridget Quinn-Carey said she will return to her role of chief operating officer after Walcott is appointed.
“While one can never say that their work for a constantly evolving and living institution like the Queens Library is ever complete, I am nevertheless satisfied with what we have achieved together and I have decided not to pursue the position of president and CEO,” Quinn-Carey said in a statement she sent to staff members Dec. 16.
Borough President Katz praised the appointment.
“I have full faith in the direction and future of the library, and look forward to the great things to come under Dennis’ leadership,” Katz said.
An audit by City Comptroller Scott Stringer found that former CEO Thomas Galante nearly $260,000 on prohibited items, such as alcohol, dinners, entertainment and other personal expenses. Quinn-Carey spent $48,000 in unauthorized purchases of food, beverages and some fuel for her car, according to the audit.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
