The Salt Lake City Public Library Board of Directors has selected Noah Baskett for the position of Executive Director. Baskett most recently worked as the Vice President of Operations for Leadership Foundations in Tacoma, Washington – a global network of community-based leadership development organizations. Before that, he worked as the Senior Director of Community Engagement for the Tacoma Rescue Mission, the Senior Programs Officer for Northwest Leadership Foundation, and served as a volunteer with AmeriCorps. Baskett grew up in Salt Lake City. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Puget Sound and a Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership from Seattle University. 

Baskett participated in the six-part, full-day interview process, meeting with staff, leadership, and the City Library Board. Baskett was one of four finalists. Search firm, Koya Partners, was contracted in January 2023, and facilitated in-depth interviews with staff and Library Board members regarding desired qualifications. In March, Koya collected input from the community partners and patrons. The job was listed on the Library’s website and Koya began official recruitment in the beginning of May. 

Noah Baskett:

“I am deeply excited for the opportunity to serve alongside the Board and staff in the role of the Salt Lake City Library’s next Executive Director. I believe my experience in nurturing flourishing, diverse urban spaces and facilitating collaborative relationships are well suited to lead the Library’s next chapter as a platform for community and personal transformation for the city and all its residents. I hold particular experience in strategic planning, developing and leading initiatives that address the needs of marginalized and historically underserved communities, community partnerships, and philanthropy. I am committed to a leadership style that is grounded in service and a commitment to nurture a culture where all are stakeholders.” 

Adam Weinacker, Salt Lake City Public Library Board President:

“The Board is excited to have selected Noah Baskett as The City Library's new Executive Director. Noah brings a wealth of experience in leadership, equity work, community partnerships, strategic planning, and board and city government collaboration. With a proven track record of success, Noah will help propel our organization forward. We look forward to working alongside Noah to develop and strengthen our institution and realize The City Library's mission to build a foundation of equity, connection, and limitless possibilities.”

Deborah Ehrman has been with the Salt Lake City Public Library for nearly 40 years. She has been serving as the Interim Executive Director since May, 2021. Baskett’s expected start date at the Library is January 8, 2024.