Bios for the 2025 AZLA Officer Election:

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Debbie Winlock

I’m passionate about libraries and the role they play in strengthening our communities. Serving as President-Elect would give me the opportunity to support innovative programs, help guide future growth, and work alongside others who share the same vision for keeping our libraries welcoming, engaging spaces for everyone. I bring 25 years of experience as a librarian and have served on multiple boards over the years. I may be “old,” but I’m still wise—and I stay up to date with new ideas and experiences shaping modern libraries. I believe this combination of experience and fresh perspective would be valuable in helping the board achieve its goals.

Bambi Shelley

I have been a member of AzLA for a few years, and I have been working in a leadership capacity in libraries for the past nine years. I am running for the president-elect position on the board because I am passionate about libraries and I want to have a stronger role
in the future of our association. The communities we live in are vastly different but the library staff that serve those communities share a similar goal. I believe that the goal is to be engaged with the people we serve and to offer quality services.

I want to collaborate more with the different types of libraries to make sure that we are all providing access to quality materials and deep meaningful programs that keep our communities engaged. I am passionate about advocating for the freedom to read. I have a strong sense of inclusivity, and I believe that libraries are the community hub where people come together regardless of their socioeconomic background.

I want to help members grow and challenge them to think outside the box. I want to continue to encourage the leaders of tomorrow to keep our libraries relative and ahead of the trends in order to offer engaging services while offering affordable services. I am still amazed that libraries are one of the few third spaces left, and I want to make sure that we are advocating for our spaces.

I see our association as a melting pot of professions that can come together to share knowledge and ideas. I want it to be a close-knit group of individuals who lift each other up and who put as much positivity out there as we can. I want us to be the first resource Arizona library professionals think of when looking for connections, tools, and professional growth.

TREASURER

Christina Amarillas

I am deeply committed to supporting the mission and success of the Arizona Library Association. I understand how crucial it is to have a reliable and detail-oriented person managing financial responsibilities, and I am eager to step into that role with dedication. I am
willing to ensure that our financial practices remain aligned with our goals. I also hope to use this opportunity to encourage other students to get more involved, just as I am. As an MLIS student, I believe in the importance of building a supportive, engaged student community, and I see the Treasurer role as a valuable way to support our shared goals with integrity.

Karl J. Kendall

Thank you for considering me for the Treasurer position on the Board of the Arizona Library Association. I am honored and excited about the opportunity to serve alongside such dedicated professionals who share my passion for libraries and the vital role they

play in our communities. My desire to serve on the board stems from my commitment to advancing the mission of libraries across Arizona.  I believe that by serving on the board, I can contribute to the strategic direction of the association and help ensure that our libraries continue to thrive and adapt to the changing needs of our society. In my vision for the future of the Arizona Library Association, I see an organization that is proactive in advocating for library funding, innovative in its approach to program development, and inclusive in its efforts to reach diverse populations. Furthermore, I believe in the importance of professional development and would like to support initiatives that provide librarians and library staff with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their roles. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the Arizona Library Association in a meaningful way!

CENTRAL REPRESENTATIVE

Omy “Noemie” Keyes

My name is Noemie Keyes (she/her/hers.) I am a lifelong Arizona resident, and a 24-year resident of Phoenix. I am running for AZ Library Association’s Central Regional Board Representative. I am a Circulation Attendant (I) at Yucca Public Library. Having begun my library career just four short months ago, I am running for this position because I am excited about library work, and I want to do what I can to help ensure that our libraries continue to be efficient, effective, and accessible to the customers needing them most. I firmly believe our public libraries are for everyone. My main area of interest lies in caring for those customers most at-risk, in need of the unique services our public and school libraries can provide.  

My professional background is in Trauma Resiliency. I have served all kinds of people in my career, and one thing I have noticed in my short tenure with the library is that we certainly serve all walks of life, including those customers who have suffered from various traumas and hardships. My goal, if I am selected for the Board Representative position, is to bring my expertise regarding Trauma Resiliency Training/ Four Childhood ACEs to our library systems, including by offering special training to librarians and library workers in Trauma Resiliency-- for the purpose of better serving our customers-- and to assist in the prevention of Secondary Trauma/Burnout for library workers. I look forward to serving the Board as our Central Regional Rep! Thank you.

Yolie Ramirez

My name is Yolie Ramirez, and I am proud to call Maricopa County my home. I am excited to apply for the Central Regional Representative position with AZLA. Currently, I serve as a Reference and Instruction Librarian at Grand Canyon University, where I assist thousands of online students each semester in navigating their academic journeys. Before GCU, I supported the vibrant Senior community at Fairway Library—part of the Maricopa County Library District—in Sun City, helping patrons rediscover the joy of learning and connection.

I hold a Master’s in Library and Information Science from San José State University, as well as a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. Over my 17-year career, I’ve championed public libraries in underserved communities, teaching digital literacy, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring everyone has access to the technology they need to thrive in a digital world. 

What excites me most is helping both traditional and online students rediscover confidence in their academic goals—supporting their growth, every step of the way.

If chosen as your Central Regional Representative, it would be an honor to advocate for libraries as inclusive, vital hubs for learning—connecting communities across Gila, Maricopa, Pinal, and Yavapai Counties with resources that empower and uplift.

My journey has taken me from Hawaii to California, Puerto Rico, Germany, and New York, before finding my heart and home in Arizona. This diverse background helps me connect with people from all walks of life—a spirit I bring to every library I serve.

Thank you for your consideration—I look forward to the opportunity to help our libraries inspire, enlighten, and unite our communities.