Leading Community Transformation through Libraries

Felton Thomas is the Executive Director of Cleveland Public Library in Cleveland, Ohio. Since beginning his tenure at CPL, Director Thomas has furthered the mission of CPL to be “The People’s University,” including launching initiatives aimed at addressing community needs in the areas of access to technology, education, and economic development.

Prior to taking the role in Cleveland, Mr. Thomas served as Director of Regional Branch Services for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District in Las Vegas, Nevada and as President of the Nevada Library Association.

Felton’s awards and accomplishments include being named a “Mover and Shaker” by the Library Journal, and acting as a fellow in the Urban Library Council’s Executive Leadership Institute. Nationally, Felton has served on the board of Directors of the Public Library Association (PLA), and as a member of the Aspen Institute Task Force on Learning and the Internet, a forum to determine the best way to increase digital learning and innovation without compromising safety. Felton is an active member of the Greater Cleveland community, having served as Board President of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and as trustee on the boards of Sisters of Charity Foundation, University Circle Inc., United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland and United Way of Greater Cleveland.