Board
The Foundation board is composed of community leaders with expertise in nonprofit fundraising, finance, investment management, event production, marketing and communications, law and more.
How to Get Involved
The Mill Valley Library Foundation welcomes others to join our ranks in either board or specific committee service, helping to ensure our library has the resources to continue to engage and enrich our community. At this time, we are particularly in need of board members with these areas of expertise: professional or leadership level fundraising expertise; leadership level experience producing fundraising events; legal background.
If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please contact the Mill Valley Library Foundation.
Board Chair / President
DEBORAH SORONDO
Education: University of California, Berkeley (B.A., Biochemistry); University of Chicago (M.B.A.)
Expertise: Financial management and accounting, contracts, direct marketing, communications, project management.
What I love most about the Mill Valley Library: “The outstanding book, audio and e-book collections – I use and enjoy them all.”
Co-Vice President
MICHELLE BUCKLES
Education: University of California, Berkeley (MBA), Indiana University, Bloomington (B.S.)
Expertise: Donor relations, impact investing and sustainability.
What I love most about the Mill Valley Library: “I love the architecture and views from the library. When I take a break from reading, I can stare out one of the big windows and admire the beautiful redwoods. It’s inspirational and puts whatever I’m working on in perspective.”
Co-Vice President
DEBORAH MILLER
Education: Indiana University (B.A. Literature; with secondary studies in Business and Education); Antioch University (M.A. Psychology)
Expertise: Nonprofit Consultant and VP of Advancement (Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Board Development, NextGen Initiatives, legacy giving programs, talent search and management, strategic planning); former ED and development officer, UC Berkeley & UCLA; Former Board of Directors Chair, Kiddo!.
What I love most about the Mill Valley Library: “That the Library, in a beautiful natural setting, is a community hub for learning in so many ways, in particular fostering a love for reading, and offering stellar programming and a rich hard copy and digital collection.”
Board Member
TOM DICKER
Education: Masters, Business Administration; BS, Economics; Graduate TA; San Jose State University.
Expertise: Technology sales, financial planning, business operations, executive recruiting, contracts and donor fund-raising. Also a US Army Veteran (1st Lt.) and lover of scuba diving.
What I love most about the Mill Valley Library: “The Library Staff and its environment and outstanding program offerings.”
Board Member
KATHRYN FARTHING
Education: Trinity College (B.A. in Economics & Sociology)
Expertise: Marketing & Communications, Brand Building, Financial Services and Project Management
What I love most about the Mill Valley Library: “The Mill Valley Library is a treasure trove, from the Mill Valley history archives to the children’s programming, there’s truly something for everyone. It’s a place for the community to learn, be inspired and belong.”
Board Member
Tracy Pell
Education: Cornell University (B.A., American Studies) University of California, Berkeley (M.B.A)
Expertise: Product Marketing, Branding, Content Development, Donor Relations, Communications
What I love most about the Mill Valley Library: "The huge fiction collection downstairs and the children's section librarians who are always happy to remind us where the superhero books can be found or show us their latest special offering, like caterpillars building cocoons. ”
Board Member
ABHI VALLABHANENI
Education: University of Warwick, BSc in Mathematics & BSc in Economic, Imperial College London, MSc in Finance
Expertise: Data Science, Investment Management, Marketing & Communications and Business Strategy.
What I love most about the Mill Valley Library: “The smell of books ready to tickle my incredible curiosity wrapped in a beautiful building with a vibrant community.”
BOard Advisors
Nicole C. Brown (2020 – 2024 Term)
2012-2019. Foundation President (Mar 2017 – Dec 2018)
Urban Carmel (2020 – 2024 Term)
2009-2014. Foundation Centennial President (2010-2011)
Jack Corsello (2021 – 2025Term)
2017-2020
Vera Meislin (2020 – 2024 Term)
2012-2016. Foundation President (2013 & 2015)
Beth Rutchik (2021 – 2025 Term)
2012-2016
Stacey Silver (2020 -2024Term)
2012-2017. Foundation President (Dec 2015 – Mar 2017)
Anji Brenner
Mill Valley Librarian
EMERITUS BOard MEMBERS
BOard Advisors
Nicole C. Brown (2020 – 2024 Term)
2012 - 2019. Foundation President (Mar 2017 – Dec 2018)
Urban Carmel (2020 – 2024 Term)
2009 - 2014. Foundation Centennial President (2010-2011)
Jack Corsello (2021 – 2025 Term)
2017 - 2020. Co-Vice President (2019-2020)
Vera Meislin (2020 – 2024 Term)
2012 - 2016. Foundation President (2013 & 2015)
Beth Rutchik (2021 – 2025 Term)
2012 - 2016. Board Secretary (2015)
Stacey Silver (2020 - 2024 Term)
2012 - 2017. Foundation President (Dec 2015 – Mar 2017)
Andrew Shapiro (2022- 2026 Term) 2012 - 2021. Foundation President (2019 & 2020)
Anji Brenner
Mill Valley Librarian
EMERITUS BOard MEMBERS
Urban Carmel
2009 - 2014. Foundation Centennial President
(2010 -2011)
Tom Conneely
2000 - 2007 & 2016 - 2018. Foundation President
(2005 - 2006)
Jim Dox
1999 - 2011. Treasurer (1999 - 2011)
Kris Malone Grossman
2015 - 2020. Co-Vice President (2016 - 2018)
Tom Kostic
2001 - 2007
Hugh Kuhn
2007 - 2009. Foundation President (2007 - 2009)
Vera Meislin
2012 - 2016. Foundation President (2013 & 2015)
Andy Mercy
2012 - 2014. Foundation President (2014)
Caren Orum
2010 - 2012. Founder, Storybook Book Ball
Lisa Parker
2011 - 2013. Foundation President (2012)
Ivan Poutiatine
2000 - 2005
Stuart Rudick
2005 - 2013. Vice President (2012)
Ellen Seebold
2009 - 2014
Kate Shaw
2016 - 2019. Co-Vice President (2019)
Andrew Shapiro
2013 - 2021. Foundation President (2019 - 2020)
Chris Shields
2009 - 2013. Vice President (2010 - 2011)
David Simpson
2011 - 2019. Foundation Treasurer (2012 - 2019)
Stacey Silver
2012 - 2017. Foundation President (Dec 2015 – Mar 2017)