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.”

“Faraz Ahmed is an EMMY award-winning editor, producer, & instructor with over two decade of international and domestic experience in the broadcast industry. He owns and operates Amitrace in Suwanee, that specializes in creating broadcast & streaming solutions.”

“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.”

“Chuck Warbington is a life-long resident of Gwinnett County and a member of the Dacula Football Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech with a Bachelor of Civil Engineering degree. While at Georgia Tech, he was a wide receiver for the 1990 National Championship Football Team. Chuck and his wife, Stacey, have been married for over 21 years, and have 4 children.”

“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.”