SAINT PAUL, October 13, 2014 – The Saint Paul Public Library has named Tony Yang as Deputy Director. Yang, who will begin in this position on November 3, 2014, will serve as the library’s chief operating officer with responsibilities for budgeting and finance, administration and staffing, contracting, management reporting, and program evaluation. Yang will succeed Deputy Director Debbie Willms, who is retiring in November after a thirty-five-year career with the Saint Paul Public Library.
Tony Yang has been the Director of Adult and Family Mental Health Services at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation since 2006. In previous positions, Yang supervised Ramsey County mental health services and health services to children and refugees. Yang brings deep experience with systems administration, evaluation, and staff development.
“Tony Yang brings many vital strengths to the library, and we look forward to working with him. He is a systems thinker with a passion for learning and supporting Saint Paul communities,” said Kit Hadley, Saint Paul Public Library Director. “The library is fortunate to transition from one gifted deputy director to another. Debbie Willms leaves a legacy of strong library programs, policies, and staff. She created and led many enduring initiatives that strengthened opportunities for staff growth and leadership. She has had a tremendous positive impact on learning in Saint Paul throughout her decades as a library leader.”