About Your Library Foundation

“Why do I LOVE our Libraries? Books have always been my friend. I have found inspiration, comfort, joy, and community through the books I read and the facilities that help promote literacy and learning. As much as I love books, our libraries are so much more! I love being part of an organization that has such a deep commitment to providing services to our entire community without reservation.”

Jessica Rantamaki is the Business Development Specialist for Geo-Hydro Engineers. She has been with the firm for over five years. Geo-Hydro Engineers is headquartered in Kennesaw, GA and recently expanded their office in Lawrenceville. Jessica has resided in Gwinnett County since 2014 and participated in the Leadership Gwinnett Program as a graduate of the Class of 2020.

“Betty is a long-time resident of Lawrenceville, having moved to Gwinnett County upon marrying a native of the area. She attended Berry College and is a graduate of Oglethorpe University. She is retired from a career that spanned many years with the Georgia Department of Labor. She held positions which included: Vocational Counselor, Marketing Representative, and Director of Employment Services and Job Training.”

“My name is Theresa L. Bailey. I am a lifelong Gwinnettian and so were my late parents, Frank and Evelyn Bailey, who were prominent business owners of the African American community. I have two wonderful sons, the late Perry Jr. and Taylor. I am a voracious reader and have turned my home into a library of sorts dedicated to the memory of my parents who fostered my love for reading. As a result, I don’t go a week without buying a book!”

“Margaret Bugbee is the Chief Financial Officer for the Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia.”

“Auveed Bagheri Cawthon is the Publisher and Editor of the Gwinnett Citizen newspaper, a 34 year old, locally owned community newspaper, Business Consultant specializing in community affairs and Ghost Writer. She grew up and raised her family in Gwinnett County and currently resides in Duluth.”

“Melvin Everson currently serves as the Vice President of Economic Development at Gwinnett Technical College. Melvin Everson is a former State Representative, pastor and community volunteer. Melvin also had a distinguished military career, serving in the US Army for 23 years in both active duty and reserve duty.”

“I have made a personal commitment to serve my hometown of Duluth Georgia. Being a life- long resident of Duluth, I have witnessed much growth and change. It is my goal, as Mayor, to work closely with citizens and the City administrative staff to ensure quality growth in Duluth.”

“Soo Hong moved to the United States at the age of 10 without knowing English. She’s always been passionate about reading and learning so not being able to participate in school when she moved to the United States encouraged her more to read and learn English.”

“Asif Jessani is a professional volunteer. He is a Gwinnett County advocate and enjoys the physical space the library provides as well as the digital tools available at our fingertips. He was the Technology Lead for the Friends of the Gwinnett County Library from 2010 – 2012 and helped to setup the group’s first website.”

“David McCleskey’s career in public education and community service in Gwinnett County spans 40 years. Both personally and professionally David has been an advocate for world class education and quality health care in our community, through his many leadership roles at local and state levels.”

“Jaletta Long Smith is a litigation associate at Andersen, Tate & Carr in Duluth, Georgia. She joined the practice after serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Britt C. Grant on the Georgia Supreme Court. I previously served as a law clerk to the Honorable Kristine G. Baker on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.”

“Anne Soutter is the Vice President of Primerica’s corporate community relations and corporate charitable contributions program. She is also co-founder, Vice Chairman and Operations Officer for The Primerica Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Primerica. Anne’s work with nonprofits and corporate foundations encompasses several years of experience and community service.”

“Pat Swan is a Founder and Board Member of this company.”

“Beth Thompson is a lifelong resident of Lawrenceville, and a graduate of Central Gwinnett High School. Beth received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Speech from Georgia College and State University. She also holds an M. Ed. and Ed. S. in Instructional Technology from the University of Georgia.”

James Appleton vividly remembers the importance of frequent library visits to him and his four siblings as everyone settled into an interesting book. The library represented possibility as well as community. James currently serves as the Executive Director of the Office of Research and Evaluation for Gwinnett County Public Schools. He leads a team of doctoral level researchers in understanding how students and schools are doing, the effectiveness of programs, the potential of promising trends in research, and how to help students who are experiencing challenges.

“Bill obtained his Juris Doctorate, magna cum laude, from Georgia State University, College of Law. He began his legal career as Law Clerk to the Honorable John T. Laney III, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Georgia. It was during his time that Bill gained experience in and knowledge of complex litigation issues.”

“Karen is responsible for educational programming and corporate citizenship for Jackson EMC, the nation’s third largest electric cooperative. She has more than 25 years of experience cultivating partnerships, developing strategic programs, and creating memorable special events. She has worked in the public and private sector, including the executive branch of the federal and state government.”

Mike Maloney is the General Manager of TPC Sugarloaf for the PGA. He has been in this position since February 2016. Mike and his staff are involved in many initiatives that benefit Gwinnett County and are always looking at ways to improve the community by giving back. Some tournaments that are held at TPC which benefit non-profit organizations are: The Mitsubishi Electric, Birdies for the Brave and Mason’s Twenty-Fore Straight to name a few.

Victoria Jones proudly holds the Post 2 position on the Lawrenceville City Council. She was first appointed to the City Council to fill an unexpired term in February 2019. She completed the term and was elected to serve in 2020. In January 2021, Mrs. Jones was selected by her fellow City Council Members to serve as Mayor Pro Tem (vice mayor) of the City Council. Mrs. Jones has called Lawrenceville home since 1994 and has lived inside the city limits since 2013.

Attorney Margaret Gettle Washburn stops at nothing to ensure her clients receive the positive outcomes they deserve. Her firm is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and her work involves representing clients in Gwinnett County, Jackson County, Barrow County, Walton and throughout Georgia in cases related to: Family law: She helps families navigate complex legal situations involving divorce, child custody, spousal support and more. Criminal defense: She assists people who have been accused of charges related to assault, murder, traffic violations, drug crimes, theft crimes and prostitution.

Matt is a very accomplished individual in the political field for his age. Matt has studied South African Studies at Stellenbosch University, American Political Science at the University of Georgia, and American Politics at the University of Colorado Boulder. He serves as the Outreach Director for Representative Carolyn Bourdeaux as well as currently holding the title of Chief of Staff for State Representative Beth Moore.