Type Of Business:
Public Library
Major Product/SVS:
Lending Books, Information and Research Services
Favorite Business Publication:
Black Enterprise; The Wall Street Journal
Hobbies/Sports:
Reading, Traveling, Swimming, Golfing, Bowling, Spending Time Outdoors
Education Degrees:
Doctor of Humane Letters, Cleveland State University (2007); Master of Science in Library Science, Case Western Reserve University (1978); Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Virginia State University (1968)
Affiliations Awards:
Councilor-at-Large, American Library Association (1999); Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; Ohio Library Council; Urban Libraries Council; Trustee, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church; The City Club of Cleveland; Board Member, University Circle Inc.; Friends of the Cleveland Public Library; African American Advisory Committee, The Cleveland Museum of Art; Blacks in Management; Board Member, Kym Sellers Foundation; Life Member, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Industry:
Library Management
Children's Names:
Angela, Andrew (Deceased), Tonya
Date of Distinction:
5/14/2008
Work History:
Director, East Cleveland Public Library, OH; Director, Gary Public Library, IN; Regional Librarian, Ivy Tech Community College, IN; Deputy Director, District of Columbia Public Library, Washington, DC; Deputy Director, Cleveland Public Library, OH
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
Mr. Venable's diversity of management experience and transferable skills in the corporate and nonprofit sectors has been an asset in separating him from his peers.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
Mr. Venable's greatest achievement thus far has been promoting and connecting the people to their public library (The People's University) and receiving their overwhelming support for three property tax levies and a capital bond issue.
Expanded Biography:
The diversity of experience and exposure has contributed to any achievement or success in my life. I seek to follow the words of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays: "Whatever one touches, his aim should always be to leave that which he touches better than he found it."
Highlight of career?:
The most gratifying aspect of his career is helping people.
Charity:
Local Church; Host Committee, Cleveland AIDS Walk; Boy Scouts of America; Retired and Senior Volunteer Program; The City Mission; Board Member, Cleveland Council of World Affairs; Leadership Circle, United Way of America
Number Of Years In Profession:
39
Number Of Years In Current Position:
10
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
He attributes his success to his preparation before handling an assignment.
How Did They Get Involved In Profession:
He became involved in his profession through a natural progression of opportunities.
Extended Bio Profile:
Mr. Venable received a certificate from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Goverment. He became the
Day to Day Responsibilities:
Managing and Directing the Library, Budgets, Public Relations, Programs and Community Services, Involving in Community Partnerships and Collaborations, Overseeing the Circulation of Output Measures of the Library, Generating Statistical Reports to the State and American Library Association, Overseeing the Staff
Awards/Honors:
Rainy Institute Glissando IV Award (2007); Ohio Librarian of the Year (2001); Louis Stokes Champion of Literacy Award (2001); Beta Phi Mu Award