Board of Directors (left to right): Penelope Gould, Caroline Gravel, Colin Plows, Sylvie Okros, Chantal Cloutier, Vlad Uher, Beth Sneyd. Missing: Christina Mac.

FOPLA Board of Directors

FOPLA’s volunteer Board of Directors carries out advocacy efforts, and allocates funds raised towards appropriate programs and activities in an effort to help FOPLA continually achieve its mandate. These committed volunteers ensure that FOPLA’s vision and mission are carried out, and work tirelessly in our support of Ottawa’s public libraries.

Vlad UherPresident
With general oversight over the Board and FOPLA’s operations, Vlad guides advocacy and fundraising efforts, governance, and strategic planning. The President serves as FOPLA’s public representative and also communicates with the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) to support its programs.

president@fopla-aabpo.ca

Penelope GouldVice-President, Operations
Penelope plays a leading role in fundraising activities, coordinating and overseeing operational procedures, volunteer recruitment, and organizing sales events. Our VP Operations also looks for new ways to raise funds at FOPLA’s Distribution Facility, which are used to support Ottawa’s public library system.

operations@fopla-aabpo.ca

Caroline GravelVice-President, Communications
Caroline stays on top of community, library, and FOPLA news, and helps direct all FOPLA’s communications efforts. The VP Communications also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that FOPLA has a voice in City budget discussions by communicating FOPLA’s grassroots viewpoint.

comms@fopla-aabpo.ca

Beth SneydSecretary
Beth is the glue that holds the Board together. She maintains FOPLA’s corporate records, and provides guidance to ensure the Board functions according to FOPLA’s by-laws.

secretary@fopla-aabpo.ca

Christina MacTreasurer
Christina uses her expertise to provide oversight on FOPLA’s financial activities so that the Board can effectively manage funds and meet its objectives. Christina also coordinates preparation of FOPLA’s annual budget.

treasurer@fopla-aabpo.ca

Sylvie OkrosDirector of Volunteers
Sylvie uses her expertise and interpersonal skills to coordinate the recruitment, orientation, training, and recognition of FOPLA’s community of more than 300 volunteers.

volunteer@fopla-aabpo.ca

Chantal Cloutier Past President
As Past President of FOPLA, Chantal provides the Board with years of experience and institutional knowledge, and is well suited to share valuable insight to help move FOPLA forward.

info@fopla-aabpo.ca

Directors-at-Large

Directors-at-Large manage special projects or provide unique services and perspectives as volunteers on FOPLA’s Board.

Colin Plows

Regional Coordinators

Regional Coordinators serve as key liaisons between FOPLA’s Board and branch locations. By representing bookstore managers and volunteers, they provide critical feedback on how Board initiatives and policies might be implemented at the local committee level.

Our Regional Coordinators also influence and communicate decisions that impact book store operations, report on bookstore operation, and take on special projects as required.

Scott Esdon 
Ottawa Centre

Mandy Irving
Ottawa South

Del McCreight
Ottawa West

Colin Plows
Ottawa East

Personnel

Jackie YoungCommunication Officer and Administrative Assistant
As FOPLA’s Communications Officer and Administrative Assistant, Jackie manages the daily administration of FOPLA’s website, newsletter, and communications’ platforms. She also coordinates Volunteer and Membership inquiries at FOPLA.

info@fopla-aabpo.ca

Jackie BanningFinance Consultant
As Finance Consultant, Jackie coordinates the preparation of FOPLA’s financial documentation and tax returns, and provides general recommendations on FOPLA’s financial activities.

finance@fopla-aabpo.ca