For the Love of the Library

Saundra Mitchell (she/they) has been a phone psychic, a car salesperson, a denture-deliverer and a layout waxer. She’s endured basic training, hitchhiked from Montana to California and raised two children. Mitchell has authored fourteen books for tweens and teens, including Edgar Award nominee SHADOWED SUMMER and Indiana Author Award Winner and Lambda Nominee ALL THE THINGS WE DO IN THE DARK. She is the editor of four anthologies for teens, DEFY THE DARK, ALL OUT, OUT NOW and OUT THERE. Her first novel for adults, THIS SIDE OF GONE, debuts January 2026. She always picks truth; dares are too easy.

Guided by the philosophy, ‘Be who you needed when you were younger,’ Jake Trudeau is a finance leader, advocate, and volunteer dedicated to building safe, affirming, and inclusive communities—especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals and underserved groups. With 17+ years of experience in public sector finance, he drives transformative change in government budgeting and strategy while championing transparency and accountability. Beyond his professional role, Jake serves as Vice Chair of Annapolis Pride and is deeply engaged in youth mentorship, community leadership, and advocacy for equity and representation

Kate Myers is the bestselling author of Excavations and Salty. Her novel Excavations is being turned into a TV series on Peacock starring Amy Poehler. Kate has lived in New York and LA, working for CBS, DreamWorks and BuzzFeed and now lives in Annapolis with her husband, daughters and dog

Mark and Adam are the founders of Always Ice Cream Company, a local, homemade ice cream brand with seven scoop shops, a food truck, and an eighth location opening soon in Prince Frederick. While known for serving ultra-premium ice cream in modern, welcoming shops, the company also places a tremendous emphasis on giving back to the communities it serves. Joining them behind the bar will be their general manager, Monica Alfaro, one of the very first Always Ice Cream hires, who now manages more than 200 local high school scoopers each season.

Morgan Lehr Miller has served as the Maryland State Librarian since June 2024. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Maryland State Library Agency, Miller works with State and federal programs to advance library services and resources in the 24 public library systems in Maryland, the State Library Resource Center, the SAILOR broadband and research service, and Regional Resource Centers. She also oversees the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Print Disabled and Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library. Prior to serving as Maryland State Librarian, Miller was the Executive Director of the Cecil County Public Library system. She has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language and Literature from the University of Maryland, and a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from Drexel University College of Computing and Informatics.

Vincent Moulden is the Director of the Office of Community Engagement & Constituent Services for Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, where he leads a team connecting residents to government resources and initiatives. He is passionate about building strong community relationships, organizing events, and amplifying resident voices in local decision-making. Beyond government service, Vincent serves on several nonprofit boards and is active in civic leadership throughout the county. His work reflects a deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and creating opportunities for people to thrive.

Katie Guido is the founder of Anne Arundel Moms, a community resource built to give busy moms (+ dads!) the gift of time, make life a little easier, and help families stay connected. Through local guides, small business spotlights, a FREE job board, weekend roundups of family-friendly events, and Meet a Mom profiles, she helps families discover what’s happening in Anne Arundel County while supporting the people and businesses that make it special.

Koven Roundtree, Chief Human Resources Officer, has been working in libraries for over 10 years and has served AACPL for 5 years. A seasoned Human Resources Executive with over 30 years of experience serving the workforce and community.

Bridget and Matt are the owners of Wildberry Farm + Market in Crownsville, MD. Wildberry is more than just a fall fest, we are changing the way Agritourism is perceived by those outside of Ag, and also the way it is implemented on farms in our community. We believe in creating a community on our farm, and around our agriculture, a place of peace where all are welcome.

As Director of both the Study of the Legacy of Slavery in Maryland at the Maryland State Archives Research Department and the Utopia Film Festival in Greenbelt, Maryland, Mr. Haley has served on many prestigious boards in the world of African American genealogy as well as in the arts

Bailey Feldman is a leadership coach, small business consultant, and the founder of Fount & Flourish, a women's social community and coworking space in downtown Annapolis. As a passionate community builder, she believes in the power of gathering to inspire, support, and uplift women in both their personal and professional journeys. When she's not fostering connections at Fount & Flourish, Bailey can be found navigating life as a girl mom of three alongside her husband and dog in their downtown Annapolis home.

Melody Wukitch is a passionate educator-turned-entrepreneur in Severna Park, Maryland, who founded Park Books & LitCoLab in 2021, a vibrant hybrid space combining an independent bookstore with a children’s literacy center. She’s known for creating a warm, community-centered environment—with free Saturday storytimes, author events, and plans to expand with a café and pop-up vendor space. Melody’s husband, Chris, is a newly retired educator from AACPS and has recently secured the role as General Manager as Park Books has acquired a 2nd location and is continuing to grow.

Wendy Rabin founded Wrabyn Boutique to solve every woman’s daily dilemma, “What am I going to wear today?” In 2013, Wendy opened the doors to Wrabyn with a mission to create a space where women are encouraged to explore and express their personal style with confidence and ease. Drawing on her experience in fashion, stragic communication, branding, and personal styling, Wendy designed Wrabyn to be both a destination and a trusted resource. Her warm, intuitive approach is at the heart of the boutique, shaping every piece she sources and every meaningful relationship she builds with her clients.

Michelle Douglas is the author of Don’t Wear Shoes You Can’t Walk In: A Field Guide for Your Twenties. She is a former brand strategist, a journaling enthusiast and a student of life who writes down one thing she learns every day. Michelle shares her learnings and advice through contributions to many outlets and on Instagram at @fieldguidefortwenties. A native of Florida and transplant from Atlanta, Michelle now lives in Annapolis with her husband and daughters.

Jeremy Browning (he/him) is the Director of the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs, where he works to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging across the state. He is also the founder of Annapolis Pride and has been recognized for his leadership in building affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ Marylanders. A lifelong lover of libraries, Jeremy deeply values AACPL’s commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion and celebrates its role as a trusted, welcoming resource for the entire community.

Ms. Pironis serves as the Executive Director of Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC), the nonprofit, destination marketing and management organization. She serves on the Anne Arundel County Local Workforce Development Board, is the treasurer of Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, and the chair of the Maryland State Library Board. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and a Masters of Science degree in nonprofit and association management from the University of Maryland.

Kim Hovell is an Annapolis based artist whose lifelong inspiration stems from growing up along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, an influence that deeply shapes her coastal-themed artwork. She earned a fine arts degree from Virginia Tech and upon returning home, began translating the serene beauty and vibrant life of the Bay into her distinctive paintings. Over time, her creative vision blossomed into a flourishing lifestyle brand defined by artful prints, home goods, and accessories that echo her coastal aesthetic. In spring 2022, Kim opened a flagship gallery and studio on Main Street in Annapolis and in May 2024 she further expanded into a nearby studio and showroom on Bestgate Road. Her work can be found in countless specialty retailers across the country.