Meet Our Board Directors
Our Board is comprised of dedicated volunteers from across McKinney. Since our inception in the spring of 2023, we have been actively engaged in establishing the framework for our organization.
Barbara Franklin, Vice President
Barb is new to Texas, to McKinney, and serving on a Board. She has lived all over the country and has enjoyed libraries in each place. She is thrilled to help her new hometown library and community.
Lauren Smith Carter, President
Lauren has extensive experience in the non-profit sector, having worked across various industries. Currently, she is a valued staff member at a medical society. In addition to her full-time role, Lauren is passionate about music—serving as a church musician and teaching voice lessons in her spare time.
Joe Closs, Treasurer
Joe is a retired US Navy officer who designed, built, repaired, and recycled nuclear-powered submarines. Since arriving in McKinney, he has served on the McKinney Library Advisory Board.
Bill Bradford
Bill has extensive experience in regulatory affairs and product development in the insurance industry. He has served on the boards of both a repertory theater and an academy, contributing to education and the arts. Bill is also actively involved in his church, and especially enjoys time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Paddy Rao
Paddy has extensive experience across IT and Product Engineering working with Healthcare, Manufacturing and technology companies. He brings diverse views with good mix of technology and business expertise. Passionate in continuous learning and keeping up with technologies that transform business.
Roben Closs, Secretary
Roben is a retired Youth Services Librarian, voracious reader, avid gardener, and doting Mooma to two magnificent granddaughters. A fun fact about her is that she has visited all fifty states.
Lawre Alexander
Lawre has been a resident of the McKinney area since 2003. Since her retirement, she continues to find ways to give back and impact her community specifically as a Susan G. Komen 3-day walker, and as a McKinney Public Library volunteer and McKinney Public Library Foundation Board member.
John Lozano
John is an 18-year McKinney resident and father of two. He works full-time in the area of quality control within the financial services sector.
Tonya Dangerfield
Tonya is a multifaceted professional making waves in the realms of real estate, insurance, and notary services. Holding an MBA and licensed as a Real Estate Broker, Life Insurance Agent, and Notary Public in both Texas and Oklahoma, Tonya specializes in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, East TX, SE OK, and Tulsa real estate markets. During her downtime, Tonya explores the world with her husband and three children, embracing diverse cultures and creating lasting family memories.
Peter Samsury
Pete has been a resident of McKinney since 2001. He has served on numerous bond committees, ad hoc commissions, and city boards. Most recently, Pete chaired the McKinney Library Advisory Board.
Pamela Thompson
Pamela is an active volunteer with multiple food pantries and has been employed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Collin County for over 15 years. She has a passion for reading and also ensuring that reading materials are available to all.
The McKinney Public Library Foundation is designated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Thus your donation is tax deductible.
If you are interested in serving on our Board, please click here.