The National Library’s Strategic Leadership Group consists of the National Librarian/Chief Executive of the National Library, the Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library/Deputy National Librarian, the Deputy Chief Executive, and other senior staff members.
The National Library is currently undertaking a realignment, to position it to deliver on its New Generation National Library strategy. In 2007 the Library realigned the senior leadership level.
More about the New Generation National Library strategy
Penny Carnaby, Chief Executive and National Librarian
Penny was appointed Chief Executive and National Librarian in January 2003. Before joining the National Library, Penny was University Librarian and Deputy Librarian at Macquarie University, Sydney, and had held several roles at the Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT).
Penny is currently one of three chief executives on the Minister for Communication and Information Technology's Digital Strategy Advisory Group, and Deputy Chair of the Minister of Education’s ICT Standing Committee for Education. In 2006, she was elected Chair of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries.
Penny is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Information Management at Victoria University of Wellington. Penny’s professional interest is in creating national frameworks and strategies to enhance the flow of information to all parts of society.
Chris Szekely, Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library
Chris Szekely was appointed to the statutory position of Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library in March 2007. Additionally, he has the role of Deputy National Librarian, with directorial responsibility for the National Library Gallery and the Visitor Centre.
With nearly 20 years' experience in the library and information sector, Chris was previously the City Librarian at Manukau City.
More about the Alexander Turnbull Library
Sue Sutherland, Deputy Chief Executive and Acting Director, National Digital Library
Sue joined the National Library as Director Policy and Information Democracy in January 2005, and became Deputy Chief Executive in August 2007. She has had a long career in a wide range of libraries and has been involved in a number of national and international library advisory bodies. Before joining the National Library, Sue had been Libraries Manager at Christchurch City Libraries since 1994.
Geraldine Howell, Director Young New Zealanders
Geraldine's career has been focused on the area of library services to education. Since joining the National Library as Manager Reference Services in Auckland, Geraldine has held a number of roles in the organisation, becoming Director School Services in 2000. Geraldine represents the Library on the Education Sector ICT Management Committee. She believes libraries have an important role to play in supporting the educational and social development of young New Zealanders.
Geraldine leads the School Services section of the Library.
Director National Digital Library
This position is currently filled by the Deputy Chief Executive, Sue Sutherland.
Alison Elliott, Director Content Services
Alison has had a long career at the National Library, in a number of different positions focusing on services to libraries. As Director Content Services, one of her key roles has been the extension of legal deposit to electronic publications. As the director with responsibility for information strategy, Alison has overseen projects to develop the Library’s brand strategy and web presence strategy, and sponsored its web redevelopment project.
John Mohi, Kaiwhakahaere Māori
John (Te Whanau-a-Apanui) has led the Library’s bicultural development programme, Te Kaupapa Mahi Tahi – A Plan for Partnership, since joining the Library in 1996. Before that he was a teacher, adviser and manager in special education.
John leads the Hononga Māori / Services to Māori team.
Director People and Culture
This position is currently vacant.
