Dana Poll, MLIS

Dana Poll, MLIS, has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. Currently, they are the Head of Community at Uncovered since 2022. Prior to that, they worked as a Producer and Host for the True Crime PI Podcast at Clarity Communication Partners LLC starting in 2020. With a passion for nonprofit work, Dana also served as a Nonprofit Consultant under their own consultancy, Dana Poll- Nonprofit Consultant, since 2010.

In the academic field, Dana worked as a Technology, Instruction, and Research Librarian at Seton Hill University from 2007 to 2014. Before that, they were involved in a significant technology project as the Technology Project Manager for the Westmoreland County Federated Library System between 2005 and 2007. Dana successfully integrated 20 public library catalogs into a single, countywide online catalog through their leadership, securing substantial grant and foundation funding. This project brought about numerous benefits such as reduced administrative costs, increased funding, and improved resource sharing and collaboration among libraries.

Earlier in their career, Dana excelled as the Director and Project Manager for the Norwin Public Library from 2003 to 2005. Dana oversaw the daily operations, managed a multimillion-dollar building project, and successfully generated grant and donor funding for the library. The result was the opening of a state-of-the-art facility that significantly increased the library's reach, including a 22% increase in cardholders, a 50% increase in circulation, and a 75% increase in program attendees in the first year.

Before transitioning to library work, Dana served as a Research and Planning Coordinator at the Allegheny County Library Association from 2000 to 2003. Dana began their career at International Masters Publishers as a Team Leader in the Customer Service Department from 1993 to 1996.

Through their diverse work experience, Dana Poll, MLIS, has demonstrated their expertise in community engagement, podcast production, nonprofit consulting, grant writing, library technology implementation, and project management.

Dana Poll, MLIS holds a Masters degree in Library and Information Science and K-12 Library Media Center Certification, which was obtained from the University of Pittsburgh between 2000 and 2002. Prior to this, they completed their Bachelor's degree in Journalism/Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Media and obtained Secondary Education Certification from Point Park University, from 1986 to 1990. Dana Poll's earlier education history includes attending Norwin Senior High School, but no specific degree or field of study is provided for that period.