Chris Warren

Chris Warren is the Library Director at Dothan Houston County Library System. Chris has been in this role since August 2020. Prior to this, they served as the Library Director for the City of Auburn, AL from December 2012 to August 2020. In this role, they directed daily operations of the public library serving a diverse, growing college town with 68,000 residents. Chris also administered the $2.5 million annual budget, which included local appropriation, state aid, federal funds, and private donations.

During their time as Library Director for the City of Auburn, Chris was able to increase the annual operating budget by 52% from FY 2012 to FY 2019. This was accomplished by working with the Office of the City Manager to increase local appropriation for library services and by working with Friends of the APL to improve private fundraising strategies. In addition to managing nearly 30 professional and paraprofessional employees, Chris also led administrative staff and the Library Board in policy formulation and long-range planning. Some of their accomplishments in this area include coordinating a staff reorganization to improve customer service and enhance community outreach and increasing circulation by 93% and doubling program attendance from FY 2012 to FY 2019.

Looking towards the future, Chris planned for future library needs, including budgeting, staffing, and facility/technology upgrades. Chris coordinated a space planning study to define scope for an upcoming renovation and future facilities. Chris also facilitated the development of FY 2021 – FY 2024 Strategic Plan, which included extensive community outreach. Other projects they have worked on include leading construction of an Outdoor Classroom for innovative programs and community gatherings and participating in the development of a Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Master Plan, which included strategic library initiatives and capital projects for the next ten to twelve years.

Chris has also been responsible for collecting data and completing required local, state, federal, and non-profit reports. Chris has represented the library to key constituents, including elected officials, civic leaders, and media. In addition, they have collaborated with other City of Auburn departments to maximize effectiveness of library services. Under their leadership, the City of Auburn achieved Silver Level Standards Award from the Public Library Division of the Alabama Library Association (2018, 2019).

Chris Warren has a Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from Florida State University and a Bachelor's Degree in English from The University of Georgia.

Terah Harris - Deputy Director, Kristin North - Youth Services Manager, and Derrick Tiller - Main Library Manager report to Chris Warren.