Dr. Brandy McNeil

Meet Dr. Brandy McNeil, the newly elected President of the Public Library Association, a visionary leader, and an amazing innovator who has changed the game of adult education programs in New York City. As the Deputy Director of Branch Programs and Services at the New York Public Library, she has transformed how communities access technology, knowledge, and opportunity. Dr. McNeil's passion for community needs has inspired her to create game-changing innovations that have revolutionized the 89 branches under her stewardship across NYC. She has established successful partnerships with some of the biggest names in the tech industry, including Apple, Spotify, Google, and Microsoft, to name a few. Her visionary leadership and dedication to community empowerment have led her to create the highly successful TechConnect program, which has become a model for libraries nationwide.

Thanks to Dr. McNeil's inspirational leadership, underserved communities in New York City have access to English language assistance, workforce development, technology, as well as cultural and art knowledge, leveling the playing field and ensuring equitable access to opportunity. Her innovative programs have become a beacon of hope for those previously excluded from the digital revolution. Dr. McNeil's vision and hard work have earned her many accolades, including the 2017 Library Journal Mover & Shaker Award, recognizing her innovative and impactful work.

Dr. McNeil's expertise is not limited to her work in libraries. She holds a Doctorate in Business and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship and has worked for several Fortune 500 companies, bringing her innovative spirit to the private sector. Her dedication to community empowerment extends beyond her work at the library, and she is a sought-after entrepreneur, consultant, and motivational speaker. Dr. McNeil's contributions to the field of library science have not gone unnoticed. She is a member of the New York Library Association (NYLA), CORE, and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA). She is a contributing writer for Public Libraries Magazine and a contributor to the book titled Libraryland; It's All About The Story, published in 2020.  She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Public Library Association and has served on the Black Caucus of the ALA Executive Board, where she championed the needs of marginalized communities and advocated for more equitable access to knowledge and opportunity.

Dr. McNeil's innovative approach to community empowerment has changed the lives of many, and her legacy will inspire future generations of librarians, educators, and entrepreneurs. Her impact on the field of library science is immeasurable, and her vision of equitable access to technology, knowledge, and opportunity is one that we should all strive to achieve. Dr. Brandy McNeil is a true innovator, a leader, and an inspiration to us all.