Two appointed to Garfield County Library Board

Garfield County fills seats in New Castle, Carbondale; interviews continue for the Glenwood position

PRESS RELEASE
December 17, 2024

The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has filled two of three available seats on the Garfield County Library District Board. Brit McLin was appointed to the vacant New Castle seat for the coming year, and Stephanie Pierucci Hirsch was named to a full five-year term.

McLin’s term expires on Dec. 31, 2025, at which point he’d be eligible for two additional three-year terms, if reappointed. Per library district bylaws, a board member who fills a partial term is only eligible for two additional three-year terms, rather than the full five-year duration. He takes over the seat vacated by Crystal Mariscal, who stepped down from the board in November. Pierucci Hirsch’s term expires on Dec. 31, 2029.

The two selections were approved unanimously, 2-0, by the BOCC; however, the board didn’t come to a unanimous choice for the Glenwood Springs seat. Commissioner Tom Jankovsky recommended Susan Use and Commissioner Mike Samson suggested Jacqui Edelmann. Commissioner John Martin was excused during the interview process and recused himself from voting on the matter.

“In the interview process, the quality of people who came before us was outstanding,” said Commissioner Jankovsky. “It really showed the depth of people in Garfield County and how knowledgeable they are.”

The selection process for the Glenwood Springs seat has reopened and a date for interviews is forthcoming. This process will take place after Garfield County Commissioner-elect Perry Will takes his seat on the BOCC following a swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 14, 2025.

The seven-person library board, which includes members representing the six municipalities and one at-large seat, had ranked three recommended candidates for each seat. McLin was its top choice for the New Castle seat, while current board members Susan Use (Glenwood Springs) and Jocelyn Durrance (Carbondale) were its recommendations for three-year terms.

“We had a lot of good applicants vying for all three positions,” said Commissioner Samson. “There were a lot of qualified people, and this was not an easy decision.”

“We want to thank everyone who applied,” added Commissioner Jankovsky.