John joined HCLS in September 2021. He is an Illinois native, hailing from the Chicago-land area, and completed his MLIS at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. John brings sixteen years of experience to the position, making the leap from academic to public libraries after working in various positions at Northwestern University. When he’s not working or chasing one of his four children around the house, John enjoys golfing and sports.

Matthew joined HCLS in 2011. He is originally from Gulfport and attended college in Memphis. Matthew enjoys putting modern technologies in the hands of patrons and staff so that they are more empowered in our current digital landscape. Matthew spends his free time tinkering with technology and practicing illustration and photography.

Catherine joined HCLS in 2015 and has previously worked as a Library Assistant and Cataloger. She enjoys helping coworkers and learning new things. Catherine has an Associate’s degree from Pearl River Community College. Catherine has lived all over Hancock County, first the Bay, then Waveland and Kiln. She spends her free time with family, crafting, and visiting Disney and Universal.

Ash joined HCLS in 2018. She received her MLIS from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021 and has a background in the social sciences. Ash loves all things data and is excited about expanding access to digital resources in public libraries. When she isn’t trying to learn something new, Ash enjoys reading and spending time outside surrounded by nature.

Paulette joined HCLS in 2000 and has worn many hats for the library—as a library assistant, a cataloger, and as a circulation manager. Paulette enjoys processing and seeing all the new books. In her free time, Paulette enjoys crafting and learning to make stained glass.

Rachel joined HCLS in 2022. She has years of library experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Mississippi State University. Rachel is originally from Tennessee. she enjoys being active—running, kickboxing or hiking—and hopes one day to hike the Appalachian Trail. Rachel has two cats—Draco and Tyrion.

Kevin joined HCLS in 2021 as a library assistant, before coming to Administration. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and has served on the Boards of multiple non-profit organizations. Kevin previously worked in marketing for both visual and performing arts organizations and has managed education and workforce development projects. Kevin has also coached youth sports, and now pursues his passion for art collecting, as well as gardening and landscaping, DIY projects, and philanthropy.

Joel joined HCLS in 2007. He has called many places home, including Denver, Colorado, and Maryland, but the Gulf Coast has been home since the 1970s. Joel loves the mission of a lending library and the good done for the community. His friendly face is welcomed at each branch as the bringer-of-books and general helper. In his free time, he enjoys watching television and movies with his dog, Daisy.

Raven joined HCLS in 2015. She worked as a library assistant at Bay St. Louis before joining Administration. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. Raven loves working for an organization that feels like a family —her joy and contagious laughter bring people together. Her family is from Bay St. Louis, and she grew up in Hattiesburg. Raven has lived on the Coast for over a decade and loves it here. In her free time, Raven makes jewelry, resin art, t-shirts, and personal care products.