About HCPL

Division Directors

Edward Melton - Executive Director

I am Harris County Public Library’s Executive Director with oversight of 26 branch libraries in unincorporated Harris County. Prior to coming to HCPL in 2014, I was Chief of Branches for San Francisco Public Library, and an Administrative Manager and Children’s Librarian with Houston Public Library. I have attended the Brookings Institute for Public Leadership and the TLA Tall Texans Leadership Institute. I was recognized by the Urban Library Council (ULC) as an Operations Service Innovator and was awarded the ULC Joey Rogers Leadership Award in recognition of contributions as a public library leader. I currently serve as the Literacy Representative of the Executive Board for the Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions Board, as a member of the TexShare Advisory Board for the Texas State Library and Archive Commission, on the advisory board for The University of North Texas - Information School. I formerly served as a member of the Executive Board for the Houston Center for Literacy, and the Early Matters Houston Coalition. I am currently Treasurer for the Texas Library Association.

Theodora Muokebe - Branch Administrative Services

In my role at HCPL, I provide guidance, motivation, direction, and leadership to the managers and staff of 25 branch libraries, as well as overseeing the maintenance and renovation of branch facilities. I have extensive experience in the development and implementation of library services, and in working with a diverse staff to create community-focused programs. I am passionate about public libraries and believe wholeheartedly in their mission to provide free and open access to a broad range of materials and services to people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. I believe every customer is important, and have led the development of HCPL’s Red Carpet Roll Out!, an ongoing customer service training program for all HCPL staff. In my opinion, public libraries are unifying institutions for communities and should serve as advocates for the people. In my off time, I love spending time with my children, reading the classics, especially mysteries, and singing in choirs.

Amber Seely - Collections & Technical Services

I joined Harris County Public Library in 2016. I lead the team that works, primarily behind the scenes, to select, acquire, catalog, label, deliver, and support the circulation of all the materials you find on the shelves of your neighborhood branch library and online in our digital media collection. I am passionate about increasing return on investment for the taxpayers of Harris County and about providing excellent customer service for the library with continuous improvements to our processes and workflows. When I’m not at work, I like to read and listen to audiobooks. I particularly love science fiction and fantasy novels, especially those by my favorite author, Brandon Sanderson.

Daisy Torres - Financial Services

I have worked at HCPL for over 11 years. In my current role, I am responsible for managing the overall library budget and lead the Financial Services team in managing procurement, accounting, accounts payable and asset management activities. I work closely with the leadership team to ensure careful planning of our fiscal year with the goal of maximizing Harris County funds to provide quality library programs and services that enrich the lives of Harris County residents. I am grateful to work in an organization that values its employees and takes pride in the work that it provides to our communities.

Lori Remington - Human Resources

As the Division Director of Human Resources for the Harris County Public Library, I am honored to lead a dedicated team committed to supporting our employees' success. With over a decade of experience in HR leadership, my background includes strategic HR management, talent acquisition, compensation and performance management, legal compliance, and employee relations. My career has been marked by significant achievements in both county and municipal public sectors, and I am deeply committed to enhancing organizational performance and employee satisfaction.

At HCPL, our Human Resources role is to ensure that every staff member has the tools and resources they need to thrive in their roles. By investing in our employees, we not only enhance their potential but also contribute to the growth and reputation of HCPL in Harris County. Our mission is to attract and retain talented individuals who can help us offer a diverse array of services that benefit both the organization and its workforce.

Ty Beauchamp - Information Technology

Over my twenty-two years with Harris County Public Library, I have worked in a variety of positions. Starting in a temporary PC support role, I worked my way up from Field Technician to Systems Administrator, to Integrated Library System Administrator, to Web Team Leader, and finally to my current position as Division Director for Information Technology (IT). IT in the library setting is different from most other cases. Not only do we provide IT service to all library staff, but to the public as well. We know that thousands of our patrons count on us as their chief portal to the information technology that we all need to thrive in the 21^st century. We take that challenge seriously. HCPL IT continues to strive to provide the best, most up-to-date information technology and services for all Harris County residents.

Linda Stevens - Programs, Partnerships & Outreach

I have been a librarian for over 25 years and have held a variety of positions. I now lead HCPL’s Programs, Partnerships, and Outreach team. Our role is to provide administrative support for HCPL’s education and enrichment programming both in our branch libraries and out in the community. We also handle marketing and communications for the HCPL system. The most rewarding aspect of my job is working with people to improve lives and strengthen communities. I am very proud of the work we do with our partners to provide a wide range of literacy initiatives to benefit the people of Harris County. I spend a lot of time thinking about great new things the library could do, but I also love dogs of all sorts, going to the theater and movies, and I am a voracious reader, particularly of fiction and memoirs.  I am a book club regular and am happy to give recommendations (Just ask!).

Michelle Carnahan - Research & Development

I serve as the Division Director of Research and Development for Harris County Public Library. The R&D division serves as the legislative liaison for the department and is responsible for coordinating fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Harris County Friends of the Library (HCFOL). The division conducts and manages research and development to support project management, performance metrics, and data analytics.

Prior to joining HCPL, I held leadership roles for Harris County for 15 years managing multimillion dollar grants and projects working with all levels of government. Additionally, I am an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration and Political Science teaching various courses at the undergraduate and graduate level for 18 plus years. As an educator, I focused on critical thinking and bringing real world experience into classrooms.

I am an avid reader and active in the community having served on various boards and committees including the National Homeland Security Conference, Leadership Houston, Houston League of Women Voters, UTHealth Friends of Medical School, and St. Thomas High School.

Our administrative staff is located at 5749 South Loop East Houston, TX 77033. If you'd like to reach our leadership team, please call 713-274-6600 or email directorsoffice@hcpl.net