Board of Directors
YOuR foundation Board
THE Officers
Raleigh Floyd Jr, President
Raleigh and his wife Allison are 30+ year residents of Lombard. Along with their daughter Daria, they believe they hold the village record for most puzzles checked out by a single family.
As principal in his own marketing communications consultancy, he looks forward to lending his expertise to the Foundation board’s efforts to amplify Library programming priorities. He’s particularly excited about the library’s plans to preserve library and village history, showcase local organizations, artisans and cultural ambassadors, and otherwise champion programs that solidify the library as a cultural hub in the village.
When not busy with DIY projects, he enjoys reading biographies and history-based novels, as well as all things J.R.R. Tolkien and books focused on a technology-driven future. Raleigh graduated with a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College.
Cory Gapstur, Vice-President
Cory and his wife, Sarah, have lived in Lombard since 2008. They have two daughters, and are frequent visitors to the Helen Plum Library.
Cory is an active member of the PTA and an appointed volunteer member of the Board of Local Improvement for the Village of Lombard.
As a member of the Foundation, Cory hopes to support the Library Board in creating a new Helen Plum Library that is welcoming and a point of pride for the Village of Lombard.
Connie Kania, Treasurer
Connie has resided in Lombard for 33 years with her husband and 3 children. Connie is an avid reader and has been a part of a book club for over 20 years. She is excited to experience the new library with all it has to offer Lombard residents.
Mary Marshall, President Emerita
Mary has been an active community member for many years as an elected member of the District 44 School Board and as a (now retired) librarian.
Mary’s past experience as a librarian include children’s services at Helen Plum Library, Assistant Director and Head of Children’s Services at the Addison Public Library. She and her family moved to Lombard in 1984, choosing their home because it was near the library. Besides libraries, her other interests are art and Jane Austen. She has been a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and the Jane Austen Society since 1979 and has written and lectured nationally on Austen.
In addition to reading books by and about Jane Austen, Mary loves to read mysteries - especially Louise Penny - and historical fiction.
Denise Zielinski, Secretary
Denise Zielinski has resided in Lombard for more than 30 years with her husband and twin sons. She is a former Head of Youth Services at Helen Plum and has worked in libraries all over the Chicago area for more than 40 years.
Now retired, Denise is interested in giving back to the library where she lives.
THE Directors
Brigitte Baur
Brigitte has lived in Lombard with her husband since 2001. Both her children were active library users from early childhood. Brigitte has many book recommendations and is happy to discuss literature at any time.
Mark Geiger
Valerie Marshall
Valerie is the Director of the Schiller Park Public Library. She has lived in Lombard since May 2022, but her husband grew up here & Valerie knew she wanted to live in Lombard since the first time he brought her home in 2009.
Valerie & her husband met in library school & as librarians they decided to have their wedding first look photos taken at the original Helen Plum Library.
Valerie is excited to see how the new library is already serving the needs of the community, and wants to support those services through the Foundation.
Leslie Sulla
Leslie and her husband moved to Lombard in 1988. She is a retired IT programmer. Their daughter got her first library card at Helen Plum when three months old; she is now an Arts and Humanities librarian at a college in Los Angeles.
Leslie champions books to entertain, inform, and connect people. She looks forward to supporting the Helen Plum Library through the Foundation.