Board of Directors
The Virginia Beach Library Foundation’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the organization’s mission and strategic vision. Board members provide leadership, advocate for the library, and help secure the resources needed to support programs and initiatives across the community. Their active involvement ensures the Foundation remains strong, effective, and responsive to the evolving needs of library patrons. If you’re interested in joining the Virginia Beach Library Foundation Board of Directors, contact Larmaya Usher at lkilgore@vbgov.com
Michelle Sweezey
President
Why did you join? To give back to my hometown, born and raised in Virginia Beach, libraries were a part of my upbringing between cramming for exams and researching through college. Now, libraries are a community building spot for my family, with story-times, programs, and an immense digital and physical collection.
How long have you been on the Board? Since 2023
What is your favorite book?The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig and absolutely anything by Abby Jimenez or Brene Brown.
Email: president@vblibraryfoundation.org
Marcy Sims
Vice President
BIO: COMING SOON
Jerry Stewart
Treasurer
Why did you join?Joined the Library board as an opportunity to bring GrowSmart history and knowledge to the rest of the members.
How long have they been on the Board? December 2025
What is their favorite book? Freakanomics
Maleah Amos
Member
Why did you join? Libraries have always been my sanctuary. When I was a child, my mother would bring me to her job at a church after school. The pastor was a civil rights activist and an intellectual, and the shelves were filled with books on history, advocacy, and philosophy. I would sit there for hours, absorbing as much as I could. Joining this board has given me the opportunity to share that same joy, curiosity, and sense of possibility with others.
How long have they been on the Board? This is my first year on the board. Looking forward to more!
What is their favorite book? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is my favorite thinker/philosopher book. Every time I read it, it offers something new and meaningful.
Rebecca Brady
Member
Why did you join? As a long-time library lover, I am proud to serve on the VBLF Board and support a place that has consistently been influential in my life.
How long have you been on the Board? January 2026
What is your favorite book? The Hunger Games series or Say Goodnight, Gracie.
Crystal Colohan
Member
Why did you join? Growing up in the Virginia Beach libraries, researching on microfiche, it was my favorite place to be. From years of studying as a child to continuing to learn as an adult & teaching for 17 years, and now bringing my own little sprouts to the plant exchange and my children who see this & love the library too—this is my why
How long have you been on the Board? This is my 3rd year being honored to be part of this board.
What is your favorite book? Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch. Words can bring out so much emotion, it’s beautifully written & stays with you.
Chelle Davis
Member
BIO: COMING SOON
Morris H. Fine, Esq.
Member
BIO: COMING SOON
Kirkland Molloy Kelley
Member
BIO: COMING SOON
Robert Krebs
Member
Why did you join? I joined the board because my family and I have enjoyed and benefitting from using VBPL since 1970 and I wanted to give back to the organization that has given us so much.
How long have they been on the Board? 2013
What is their favorite book? Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose followed closely by The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough
Dr. Elsie Harold Lans
Member
Why did you join? Books and libraries have been an important part of my life since I was a very young child. As the beneficiary of these great resources and places, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to further advocate for libraries, reading and education in my community.
How long have they been on the Board? December 2025
What is their favorite book? While I do not have one favorite book, The Measure of Our Success: A Letter to My Children and Yours, by Marian Wright Edelman, is one of my favorites.
John Milisitz
Member
BIO: COMING SOON
