NLA/MPLA Joint Conference

Over the past nearly two years as Nebraska State Poet, Jewel Rodgers has reached thousands across the state through performances, workshops, and community-based programming. In this keynote, she reflects on what she’s accomplished during her tenure while sharing a selection of both newly written and recognized works. Grounded in themes of growth, resilience, and creativity, her work explores the complexities of human nature with a distinct edge of motivational insight.

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.

Dr. Maria McCauley is the Director of Libraries for the City of Cambridge, where she leads 167 dedicated professionals in delivering an inclusive, future‑focused vision of library service for the entire community. She partners with city leadership and three boards to expand access, elevate community engagement, and ensure Cambridge’s libraries remain vibrant, welcoming places of learning and opportunity.

Before her work in Cambridge, Maria served as Director of Libraries in Santa Monica and in Somerville and held key leadership roles at Northeastern University. She is the 2026–2027 President of the American Library Association and served as the 2022–2023 President of the Public Library Association, reflecting her deep influence in shaping the future of libraries for the good of society.

A global thought leader in strategy, inclusive service, and courageous leadership, Maria speaks across the United States and internationally on the evolving role of libraries, advancing equity, and leading with humanity while balancing the demands of parenting and personal wellness. She inspires teams, audiences, and communities to imagine what libraries can achieve—and how leadership, purpose, partnership, and compassion can transform community organizations.

With the constantly changing landscape of American libraries, it is important for librarians to not only safeguard the organization but also to protect themselves. Humor is the key! Good humor helps one to get a clear perspective. Humor alleviates stress, eases the discomfort of change, builds strong relationships, and facilitates challenging situations. Each of us was born with a sense of humor. Let’s learn how to tap in to our own delightfulness and effectively read the room to achieve the most positive outcome.

Juli Burney is a multiple award-winning retired college professor, communication specialist, humorist and author. For over 40 years, she has presented in 48 continental United States and Canada, and has been commissioned by a variety of associations from the National Endowment for the Arts to Fortune 500 companies to develop training programs that stick. She has filmed for Showtime and HBO, along with making numerous guest appearances on radio and television programs.