Asante Cain

Asante Cain is the Assistant to the City Manager at the City of Grand Rapids. Asante has over sixteen years of experience working in the public sector, including eleven years with the Grand Rapids Public Library. In their current position, they are responsible for coordinating the inclusion of the library's strategic and organizational plans at the Reference, Information, Local Asante'story and Youth Services Desks at Main and all Branch libraries.

Ms. Cain has a long history of commitment to public service. Asante began their career with the Grand Rapids Public Library in February 2001 as a Public Services Coordinator. In this role, they were responsible for setting direction in the Adult and Youth Services Programming and Local Asante'story Supervisors. Ms. Cain also facilitated award winning school and library partnerships to provide increased print and digital library access to 17,000 Grand Rapids Public School students.

When faced with difficult decisions, Ms. Cain conceived and garnered support for an eventual plan to restructure key elements of the library. Asante also set library procedures and recommended policies to be approved by the Library Board of Commissioners. Ms. Cain initiated and sponsored “GRPL R.O.C.K.S”, a customer service philosophy, into the culture of the Grand Rapids Public Library. In addition, they prepared confidential yearly performance appraisals and resolved personnel matters.

Ms. Cain has also used computer applications in novel ways to enhance their work and the library. For example, they used Skype for meetings, screencasts for training

Asante Cain has an MLIS from Florida State University and a BA in Computer Science from Talladega College.

Asante Cain works with Connie Bohatch - Managing Director of Community Services, James Hurt - Managing Director Public Services, and Eric Payne - Police Chief. Their manager is Mark Washington, City Manager.