Former St. Mary's President Appointed as Interim Director of Jackson County Library District

Frank Phillips tasked with bringing stability after leadership shakeup and recent controversy

Mar. 24, 2026 at 6:07am

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Frank Phillips, the former president of St. Mary's School, has been appointed as the interim director of the Jackson County Library District (JCLD). His appointment comes after the departure of former Director Kari May, who was terminated by the JCLD board in February following a controversy involving inappropriate content viewed by a patron at the Talent library branch. The JCLD board is optimistic that Phillips' leadership, local history, and community connections will help bring balance and stability to the organization during this transition period.

Why it matters

The Jackson County Library District has faced significant challenges in recent months, including the termination of its former director and a controversial incident at one of its branches. The appointment of Frank Phillips as interim director is seen as a crucial step in restoring public trust and ensuring the continuity of library services in the region.

The details

Frank Phillips, the former president of St. Mary's School, has been selected to serve as the interim director of the Jackson County Library District (JCLD). His appointment comes after the JCLD board terminated former Director Kari May in February following an incident at the Talent library branch, where a patron viewed inappropriate content involving children. In his interim role, Phillips will focus on reinforcing organizational stability, supporting systemwide initiatives, and ensuring the continuity of library services while the board prepares for the next phase of long-term leadership planning.

  • Frank Phillips will begin his role as interim director of the Jackson County Library District on Monday, March 23, 2026.
  • Kari May was terminated as the director of the Jackson County Library District in February 2026.

The players

Frank Phillips

The former president of St. Mary's School, who has been appointed as the interim director of the Jackson County Library District.

Kari May

The former director of the Jackson County Library District, who was terminated by the board in February 2026 following a controversy involving inappropriate content viewed by a patron at the Talent library branch.

Susan Kiefer

The chair of the Jackson County Library District board, who expressed optimism that Phillips will bring balance and stability to the organization during the transition period.

Josh Letsinger

The community engagement manager for the Jackson County Library District, who welcomed Phillips into the role and expressed confidence in his ability to provide steady guidance.

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What they’re saying

“We are optimistic he will bring balance and stability to the organization during this transition period. His leadership, long local history, and community connections will be valuable assets.”

— Susan Kiefer, JCLD Board Chair

“We are pleased to welcome Frank into this next chapter of leadership. We look forward to the perspective and steady guidance he will bring to the organization.”

— Josh Letsinger, Community Engagement Manager

What’s next

The JCLD board will continue to work with Frank Phillips in his interim role, focusing on reinforcing organizational stability and preparing for the next phase of long-term leadership planning.

The takeaway

The appointment of Frank Phillips as interim director of the Jackson County Library District represents an important step in restoring public trust and ensuring the continuity of library services in the region following a challenging period marked by leadership changes and controversy. Phillips' local experience and community connections are seen as valuable assets in guiding the organization through this transition.