Brent Husher Hired as New Director for the Ledding Library

After a competitive selection process, the city named Brent Husher as the new director for the Ledding Library. He succeeds Katie Newell, who is set to retire at the end of July, and will start on July 29.

Husher has served as the circulation division manager for the Tigard Public Library since 2019, leading a 20-person team managing a collection of more than 225,000 items and 1,000 patron visits each day. He also helped lead the Tigard Public Library through the challenges it faced at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Brent’s experience, passion and demonstrated commitment to a safe, inclusive and supportive library environment propelled him to the top of a very competitive field of applicants,” said Assistant City Manager Kelly Brooks. “While we’re sad to see Katie move on, it’ll be exciting to see the next chapter of our beloved Ledding Library unfold with Brent at the helm.”

Previously, Husher also worked at the Fort Vancouver Regional Library in Vancouver, Washington, Mid-Continent Public Library in Grandview, Missouri, and the University of Missouri, Kansas City Library. He holds Master’s degrees in public administration and library science, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in socio-political communication.

"I'm excited to join the Ledding Library team and look forward to building on their strong tradition of excellent customer service,” said Husher. “I’m eager to get to know the Milwaukie community, while ensuring the library is here for everyone."

The library director oversees a staff of nearly 20 full-time employees and a budget of about $2.2 million. The Ledding Library receives strong support from the community, as well as the Library Board, Ledding Library Foundation, Friends of the Ledding Library and Clackamas County library network. The library officially opened the doors to its new building in January 2020, which was funded by the passage of a well-supported bond.