Ohio Governor John Kasich appointed Deborah L. Saunders, Director of the Dr. Samuel L. Bossard Memorial Library of Gallia County, to his Executive Workforce Board. The Board is charged with identifying ways to prepare and continuously retrain Ohioans of all ages.

From a library page to her position as Director, Saunders has shown incredible dedication to the Bossard Memorial and surrounding community. Under her leadership, the library has opened opportunities for many rural and underserved individuals in southern Ohio. This is evidenced by many innovative programs including the world-renowned “Bodies Revealed” exhibit which drew more than 19,500 visitors to the library, many of whom were students.

In March 2017, Saunders testified before the Ohio General Assembly about her library’s role in helping people find jobs, especially in an area of the state hit hard by the recession. Through mobile WiFi and online courses, Saunders has provided educational opportunities that many in southeast Ohio would not have experienced otherwise, due to geographic and economic barriers. Her accomplishments illustrate how a library can have a positive and lasting impact on the community. Saunders joins an elite list of honorees who have demonstrated remarkable dedication to providing exceptional library service to their communities.