November 30, 2006 Jo Ann C. Jenkins Appointed Chief Operating Officer

Press Contact: Matt Raymond (202) 707-0020

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington has appointed Jo Ann C. Jenkins as chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2007.

Jenkins succeeds Deputy Librarian General Donald L. Scott, who is retiring on Dec. 31, 2006. General Scott has provided strong and effective leadership for the Library’s internal operations for the past 10 years and has served as a respected and highly visible diplomat for the Library’s many outreach efforts throughout his tenure.

“Ms. Jenkins is known and respected throughout the legislative branch as an extraordinary leader with highly-honed political skills and exceptional judgment,” said Billington. “Her seasoned experience, dedication and leadership skills as chief of staff for the past 10 years have contributed to some of the Library’s most high-profile initiatives, including the Library’s Bicentennial celebration, six National Book Festivals and currently the New Visitors Experience.”

As chief operating officer Jenkins will have full authority and responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the Library. She will be directly responsible for planning, reviewing, monitoring and directing overall programmatic and infrastructure support operations consistent with the Library’s mission and the Librarian’s goals.

The chief operating officer will directly supervise the chief financial officer and directors of Human Resources, Integrated Support Services, Workforce Diversity, Contracts and Grants Management, Security and Emergency Preparedness, Communications, Special Events and Public Programs, and the General Counsel.

The chief operating officer is responsible for managing the agendas of the Executive and Operations Committee to ensure appropriate focus on the Library’s operational and strategic issues and the Librarian’s priorities.

Jenkins will work collaboratively with the associate librarian for library services, the associate librarian for strategic initiatives and chief information officer, the law librarian, the director of the Congressional Research Service, the register of copyrights and the inspector general to ensure overall mission effectiveness. As chief operating officer, Jenkins will continue to lead efforts to finalize the Library’s Strategic Plan for 2008-2013.

Jenkins is active in several organizations including The Links Inc. and Jack & Jill of America Inc. She is a founding member of the U.S.-Japan Young Leaders Program and a member of the AARP Services Board of Directors. She is married to Frank G. Jenkins, Ed.D. They have two children, Christian Jenkins and Nicole Jenkins.

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PR 06-224
2006-11-30
ISSN 0731-3527