Library hires ex staffer as its new boss

GEELONG Regional Library Corporation has named Vanessa Schernickau as its new chief executive.

Ms Schernickau’s appointment follows the resignation of Patti Manolis from the role of chief executive — a position she held for 14 years — late last month.

Ms Schernickau worked for the corporation as the manager of corporate and customer services from December 2009 until June 2012, a role in which she was responsible for overseeing corporate functions and customer services initiatives.

Ms Schernickau is currently employed as the regional director for Barwon southwest at the Department of Transport, where she is responsible for integrated transport, planning, policy implementation and delivery of major capital programs. Prior to this, Ms Schernickau was the chief executive for the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee.

Ms Schernickau also has significant local government experience, having spent a number of years at the City of Port Phillip in various senior roles.

Library corporation board chair, Cr Ron Nelson, said the recruitment panel was confident Ms Schernickau would bring outstanding and relevant experience to the role.

“The board of Geelong Regional Library Corporation was in the privileged position of selecting from a pool of very high-calibre candidates, and we are delighted that Vanessa has accepted the role,” Cr Nelson said.

“She will bring to the organisation a wealth of relevant experience from executive roles in government and community organisations, as well as a great understanding of our region and our organisation from her time working here.

“Vanessa has a reputation for being community focused and outcome driven, and I have no doubt that she will build on the strong legacy left by Patti Manolis as she leads the Geelong Regional Library Corporation into a new era. I wish her all the best and look forward to working closely with her in my role as chair of the board.”

Cr Nelson joined fellow library board members Cr Susan Salter, Cr Jim Mason and Cr Owen Sharkey on the recruitment panel.

Ms Schernickau will begin her role on June 7.