August 28, 2024 -- Mayor John Whitmire announced the appointment of long-time educator Sandy Gaw as the new Houston Public Library Director. Her appointment is effective immediately following her confirmation by the City Council on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024.
Gaw, who is fluent in three languages, brings a wealth of experience in education and leadership to her new role. Her distinguished career in education has been marked by numerous accolades, including being named Houston Independent School District Principal of the Year for 2014-2015 and HISD North Area Bilingual Teacher of the Year in 1998. She holds a Master's degree in Mid-Management and a Teacher Certification from Houston Baptist University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Psychology from the University of Houston.
"Sandy Gaw is an accomplished public servant with a track record of success. Her proven dedication to education, and her innovative leadership approach, make her an outstanding choice to lead our libraries into the future. With her at the helm, we can look forward to a new era of growth and innovation for our libraries," said Mayor Whitmire.
In her role as Library Director, Gaw will oversee the operations of all city libraries, focusing on enhancing community engagement, expanding bilingual and multicultural programs, and ensuring that the library system meets the evolving needs of our diverse communities.
"I am honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of our city's libraries," said Gaw. "I look forward to working closely with Mayor Whitmire and our community to foster a love for learning and ensure our libraries remain vibrant centers of knowledge and culture."