Foundation Staff
Kimberly B. Knight
Executive Director
Director Kimberly B. Knight was appointed to lead the Virginia Beach Public Library in March 2022. As Director, she leads and serves nearly 235 staff, helping to circulate more than 2 million items across 10 library branches, including the MEO Central Library, Joint-Use Library, and the WAHAB Law Library.
Since her tenure, Director Knight has focused on removing barriers to access to library services, improving efficiencies, growing library users through outreach and engagement, providing inclusive, welcoming spaces, quality resources, and excellent customer service with a knowledgeable and engaged staff.
Prior to that she served as Deputy Director at Alexandria, VA Public Library and Assistant Director at Chesapeake Public Library. Kimberly is a proud Richmond, Virginia native. After earning a B. A. from the University of Virginia, Kimberly began her career in libraries as a Library Assistant at the Oakland Public Library. Kimberly earned her M.L.I.S. from UCLA and has worked in public libraries in California, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Hampton Roads. She has nearly 25 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public libraries and over 30 years in public libraries overall.
Kimberly has been active with professional associations and advocated for libraries throughout her career. She completed the American Library Association’s (ALA) Leadership Institute and the Public Library Association’s (PLA) Leadership Academy. She served two terms as ALA Councilor-at-Large, President of the Virginia Library Association (VLA), and on the executive boards of the District of Columbia Library Association (DCLA) and the California Librarian’s Black Caucus (CLBC). Kimberly was active with the Maryland Library Association (MLA), chaired the Public Libraries Magazine Advisory Board, served on scholarship juries and various conference committees, presented at multiple conferences, participated in various Legislative Days, and reviewed grants for the IMLS. She is currently a member of the PLA Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Committee.
Larmaya Usher
Development Specialist
Larmaya Usher Larmaya Usher has secured more than $2.5 million in grant and sponsorship funding across three non-profit organizations in five years and joined the Virginia Beach Library Foundation in the summer of 2025.
Her professional background includes experience with the City of Las Vegas, the U.S. Senate Office under Senate Majority Leader Senator Reid, the Department of Juvenile Justice Services, Las Vegas Municipal Courts (Alternative Sentencing & Education), Clark County Department of Family Services, Nevada Partners, Quiet Storm Foundation, the United States Navy Reserves, and the City of Virginia Beach Economic Development.
She has managed relationships with national partners, such as NBA Cares, MGM Resorts, President Barack Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative, the ACLU, and United Way.
As Development Specialist for the Virginia Beach Library Foundation, Larmaya cultivates and sustains relationships with funders, donors, and strategic partners. Her expertise in fundraising, community partnerships, event strategy, and marketing drives measurable growth and meaningful community impact.
Cindy Alexander
Administrative Specialist
Cindy Alexander brings a diverse and accomplished professional background to her role as Administrative Specialist with the Virginia Beach Library Foundation.
Following a 35-year career spanning accounting, management, and academia, Cindy broke barriers as one of the first women in Virginia to earn a Contractor’s License. She further strengthened her industry expertise by obtaining her Mechanical Journeyman’s Card, deepening her understanding of both customer and staff challenges in technical and service environments.
Cindy began her second professional chapter in the library field, dedicating 15 years to the circulation department of the Virginia Beach Public Library. During that time, she strengthened her commitment to community service and public engagement. In 2021, she served as a speaker at the Virginia Library Association Professional Associates Conference, sharing her experience and insights with colleagues across the state.
In July 2025, Cindy expanded her service to the nonprofit sector by joining the Virginia Beach Library Foundation, where she continues to support the library community through her administrative expertise, leadership experience, and passion for lifelong learning.
