KITCHENER, ON — The Kitchener Public Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Darren Solomon to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective April 15, 2024. Solomon was chosen after an extensive leadership search.
Solomon is a catalyzing leader, most recently serving as CEO for Richmond Hill Public Library where he led system-wide transformation. Solomon started his career as a journalist working at the CBC and CTV before moving to Cineplex, Canada’s most iconic entertainment and media companies.
“We are excited to welcome Darren Solomon to Kitchener Public Library. We believe his spirit of innovation will fit in well with both Kitchener Public Library and the City of Kitchener as a whole,” said Katherine Andrews, Kitchener Public Library Board Chair. “Based on his experience, both inside and outside libraries, his sense of purpose and his openness to listen and learn, we are confident he will offer a fresh perspective and work with our excellent Kitchener Public Library team to achieve our vision of inspiring and enriching for life.”
Solomon’s appointment follows the retirement of Mary Chevreau in February 2024. Chevreau served as CEO since May 2015. Under Chevreau’s leadership Kitchener Public Library expanded programs and services, created a state-of-the-art recording studio and moved the library to a fines-free service model among other accomplishments.
As CEO, Solomon will work closely with the Library Board and partners to ensure Kitchener Public Library remains a bold, dynamic and forward-thinking community leader.
“I’m honoured to take on the CEO role at Kitchener Public Library,” said Solomon. “Kitchener Public Library has a great reputation as a progressive organization and I’m excited to be part of a team that is so focused on bettering the community every day.”
