Writer: Patti Dozier
Published March 24, 2021
The Moultrie Observer
A new Thomas County Public Library System director will assume duties in April.
The library board of directors chose Holly Phillips, and she will assume director duties April 19.
Before the appointment is final, a minimum of 14 days is required by the Georgia Open Meetings Law for employment or appointment as executive head of an agency or of a unit of the University System of Georgia.
Phillips has served as director of the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library System and Ellen Payne Odom Genealogical Library since 2012.
She holds a master of information science from Valdosta State University and a bachelor of arts in English-Journalism, also from Valdosta State University. She holds a Georgia Professional Librarian License, and she has completed a Library Financial Management Certification Program at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute.
Prior to being named director of the Moultrie-Colquitt Library, Phillips worked in that system as the bookmobile librarian and as manager of the Doerun Branch Library. She has also worked in the Dougherty County Public Library System.
The director search had nine applicants — six from Georgia, two from Florida and one from Minnesota.
"Her experience as a library director in a similar community definitely was one of the things that made her stand out," said Dr. Dusty Kornegay, library board chairman.
Phillips oversaw a $2 million renovation at the Moultrie library. The experience will be helpful in management of the upcoming renovation of Thomas County's main library and branches, Kornegay said.
He pointed out Phillips' experience working with the school system and community in the Moultrie position.
"She is very knowledgeable about Thomasville," Kornegay said.
In a letter to the library board, Phillips said she has always been fond of Thomasville.
"It's a wonderful area that has much to offer, with a thriving environment for business, culture and lifestyle," she wrote.
Phillips expressed a desire to become part of the Thomas County community and to continue the library system's tradition of serving the community, while adapting and growing with future needs.
Trent Reynolds resigned as library system director, effective April 9.
