NLA/MPLA Joint Conference

Kelvin Watson is executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Nevada’s largest library system, where he oversees 25 branches, 600+ employees, and a $77 million budget. A nationally
recognized library leader, Watson is known for innovative work in technology, outreach, digital access, and service to underserved communities. His leadership has earned major recognition, including the ALA Library of the Future Award, the RUSA Best Emerging Technology Award, and honors from the Urban Libraries Council. Previously, he served as director of
Broward County Libraries, which was named Florida Library Association’s 2020 Library of the Year during his tenure

Alex Kava is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon bestselling author of twenty-three novels, including the internationally bestselling Maggie O’Dell series and the award-winning Ryder Creed K-9 mystery thrillers. Known for blending real crimes and facts into her fiction, Kava has earned praise for her suspenseful plots, believable characters, and professional insight into K-9 search work. She is the recipient of the Nebraska Book Award, the Florida Book Award, and the Mari Sandoz Award. Her standalone novel One False Move was selected as “One Book One Nebraska” for 2006. With more than seven million copies sold worldwide, her books have been published in more than thirty-five countries.