July Staff Spotlight: Lovdy Grossman
In our TLA Staff Spotlight series, we will highlight a different Texas Library Association staff member each month. It’s part of our effort to make sure you know who the TLA staff is, so you’re more familiar with us when you need to contact us. We love to hear from members!
Name: Lovdy Grossman
Position: Director of Education
What are your job responsibilities at TLA?
I am responsible for TLA’s educational programming, content development, and instructional design strategy. Serving TLA’s members with compelling programming includes Annual Conference, Continuing Education programming, and the Leadership Programs (TALL Texans, Launch).
Tell us three things about yourself.
- I have two amazing kids, a patient yet goofy husband, and two nutso dogs (7 lbs. and another 75 lbs.). Can’t imagine my life without them.
- I love cooking and baking – when I can find the time. Having lived in Italy for 4 years, I will give you one guess on the cuisine I focus on. Tiramisu anyone?
- I was involved in the 9/11 response. For a year after September 11, 2001, I worked with a small non-profit in Manhattan to provide mental health support, training, and clinical staffing to the Family Assistance Center and Ground Zero area. I felt this was a key moment when my organization, problem-solving, and “get ‘it-done” skills were exceptionally matched with the tasks at-hand.
What’s a book, movie, album, or podcast you enjoyed recently that you’d recommend and why? I just read Sarah Bird’s Last Dance on the Starlight Pier. I am a super fan of Sarah’s and a bit biased as she just presented the opening keynote at the TLA 2022 Summit. Her presentation was phenomenal, and I could not resist picking up her newest work. I love books that have a historical and yet personal perspective.
What’s your favorite place in Texas? I love the Texas Hill Country. I have a particular fascination with the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall– a modest home steeped in history that serves as a national park and a working ranch. In my previous role with the LBJ School at UT, I visited at least once a year for eight years. With a tour of the grounds, reflection at LBJ and Lady Bird’s gravesite overlooking the Pedernales, and a stop at a winery in Fredericksburg, my mind and soul were refreshed.
What would you like to share with members about TLA that they might not know? TLA has an amazing staff committed to service that compliments the volunteers. TLA is overflowing with passionate and engaged volunteers – truly stunning. It is an honor to work for and with such smart and committed members. We have new programming that we are building for 2023 – so ideas, input, and involvement is appreciated.