Bios for the 2026 AZLA Officer Election:

PRESIDENT-ELECT

Liz Garcia

Liz Garcia has worked in libraries since 1998, serving in a variety of roles throughout her career, and currently serves as the Library Manager for the Buckeye Public Library while also working as a part-time Reference Librarian at Grand Canyon University. She has been an active leader in the library profession, representing the Arizona Library Association as an ALA Councilor for the past six years. Liz is passionate about advancing libraries, fostering community engagement, and supporting lifelong learning. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, their two daughters, Olivia and Elena, and their dog, Gatsby—named after her favorite novel, The Great Gatsby.

Casey VanHaren

Casey Van Haren has been raising a little heck in libraries for more than three decades, leading with heart, humor, and the belief that libraries and library staff are powerful, necessary, and absolutely worth fighting for. She holds a Master’s in Library and Information Science from San José State University and brings years of experience managing teams, training staff, working with boards and commissions, building community partnerships, and navigating parks and recreation. Casey was honored to serve as AzLA President-Elect in 2023, but stepped down after the death of her father, giving herself the time and grace she needed to grieve. Now she is ready to come back full force: loud and proud, and fired up to advocate for Arizona libraries, support the people doing the work, and protect access.

TREASURER

Alicia Kumar

I’m excited to run for Secretary of the Arizona Library Association because I value the opportunity to support and strengthen libraries and library professionals across Arizona. As the Library Operations Supervisor for the Navajo County Library District, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of collaboration, communication, and strong support for the people working in our libraries. I’m interested in serving as Secretary because I’d love the opportunity to contribute to AzLA, connect with colleagues from across the state, and help support the association’s work on behalf of Arizona’s libraries and the communities we serve. 

ALA COUNCILOR

Tina Packard

Tina J. Packard, MBA, draws on over two decades of experience in library administration and leadership roles, currently serving as the founder of Packard Consulting LLC, and Young Adult Librarian at the Vista Grande Public Library, both in Casa Grande, AZ. With a robust background spanning from directing public libraries and managing educational resources to coordinating web services, Tina excels in technologies, change management, human resource management, finance oversight, and employee development. Holding a Master's in Information Science & Learning Technologies and an MBA in Human Resource Management, Tina combines academic rigor with practical expertise to deliver strategic solutions tailored to organizational needs. Her contributions extend beyond consultancy, encompassing active roles in community organizations and professional associations, where she continues to drive innovation and excellence in library services and business administration.

Bambi Shelby

Bambi is currently a Branch Manager with the Surprise Public Library System.  She has lived in Surprise for the past 17 years and worked with the Surprise Library for the past 10 years. She is a military wife,  mother of three adult children, and two dogs. She is passionate about libraries and their ability to create community.

NORTHERN REPRESENTATIVE

Mikalah Lee

My name is Mikalah Lee, and I am the Reference Librarian at Page Public Library, where I have proudly served my community for nine years. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi, graduating summa cum laude. I am seeking the position of Northern Representative for AzLA because I am passionate about supporting libraries, strengthening communities, and bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the profession. In this role, I hope to grow as a leader, build partnerships among libraries, advocate for resources and digital inclusion, promote libraries as community hubs and centers for lifelong learning, preserve culture, and ensure that the needs and voices of libraries across Northern Arizona are represented. 

SOUTHERN REPRESENTATIVE

Jerry Flanary

I have over twenty years of experience in every sort of library (with the exception of prison libraries). Currently, I'm employed at the University of Arizona Health Sciences library, where I handle operational duties. I also support our website and some of the sites for Arizona Health Information Network (AZHIN). I have excellent communication skills and a desire to be helpful.

Ashlee Gray

Ashlee Gray has worked in libraries for over 10 years. She has volunteered in K-12 and public libraries and has worked in various academic libraries. Ashlee is interested in getting to know library workers in the Southern Region, learning about the needs of their libraries, helping to find resources to meet those needs, and connecting libraries and cultural institutions to the Arizona Alliance for Response.