Leslie Tabor: A Distinguished Leader in Library Science and Project Management
Leslie Tabor is a highly accomplished director, project manager, and librarian, whose diverse career reflects her passion for team development, effective leadership, and advancing library services. With a strong foundation in library and information science, coupled with extensive experience in program and project management, Leslie has significantly contributed to public libraries and non-profit organizations across the United States. This article explores Leslie Tabor’s professional journey, highlighting her education, certifications, leadership roles, and key accomplishments in various institutions, including the Tompkins County Public Library and the Phoenix Public Library.
Early Life and Education
Leslie Tabor’s academic background laid a solid foundation for her career in library science and project management. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Public Relations from Oklahoma Baptist University, where she was actively involved in multiple honor societies such as Sigma Tau Delta and Mortar Board. Leslie’s dedication to academic excellence was reflected through her repeated appearances on the Dean’s and President’s Honor Rolls.
Furthering her expertise, Leslie pursued a Master of Science in Library and Information Science at Syracuse University. During her time at Syracuse, she was awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Scholarship for Service, underscoring her commitment to public service and library advancement. This graduate education provided her with in-depth knowledge of information management, research methodologies, and the evolving role of libraries in society.
Licenses and Certifications
In addition to her formal education, Leslie holds necessary certifications that demonstrate her professional qualifications as a librarian. She earned the New York State Public Librarian certification from the New York State Education Department in 2010, followed by the Oklahoma State Public Librarian certification in 2011, issued by the Oklahoma Department of Libraries. These certifications attest to her ability to meet the regulatory standards and best practices required for public librarianship in multiple states.
Professional Career and Leadership Roles
Leslie Tabor’s career trajectory illustrates a steady progression from hands-on library roles to strategic leadership and project management. Her experience spans urban libraries, government-related programs, and consulting firms, showcasing her versatility and expertise in diverse work environments.
Tompkins County Public Library (TCPL)
Leslie’s most recent leadership role was as the Director of the Tompkins County Public Library in Ithaca, New York, a position she held from November 2022 until May 2025. During her tenure, she led numerous initiatives aimed at modernizing library operations and expanding community access to resources.
Under Leslie’s leadership, the library implemented a cutting-edge RFID book tracking system that enhanced material circulation and inventory management. She championed the expansion of both physical and digital collections, broadening the library’s offerings to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse patron base. Additionally, Leslie focused on operational efficiency and community health initiatives, including expanding access to free NARCAN kits for opioid overdose prevention.
Her direction saw a measurable increase in library usage, with annual visits and materials circulation experiencing significant growth. Leslie’s approach combined strategic vision with community engagement, ensuring that the TCPL remained a vital resource for Ithaca and the surrounding Finger Lakes region.
Phoenix Public Library
Before her role at TCPL, Leslie served as a Library Manager at the Phoenix Public Library from May 2021 to November 2022. There, she honed her managerial skills overseeing daily library operations, staff development, and service delivery. Her tenure was marked by efforts to enhance customer experience and streamline internal processes within an extensive urban library system.
Kimley-Horn and ADG Blatt
Leslie’s expertise extends beyond traditional library settings. Between July 2019 and May 2021, she worked as a Practice Builder at Kimley-Horn in the Phoenix, Arizona area, where she focused on business development and strategic planning. This role allowed her to engage with a wide array of projects related to architecture, engineering, and construction (AECON).
From January 2016 to July 2019, Leslie was a Program Manager at ADG, Inc., based in Oklahoma City. In this capacity, she collaborated closely with local governments and community stakeholders to manage large-scale projects such as library expansions, aquatic centers, and urban redevelopment initiatives. She successfully oversaw projects including the Norman Forward quality of life initiative and facilitated community workshops and master planning efforts for library facilities in New York State.
Early Career: New York Public Library and Pioneer Library System
Leslie’s earlier roles include significant contributions to the New York Public Library (NYPL), where she held various positions, including Associate Director of the East Manhattan Neighborhood Library Network and Library Manager for the Yorkville and Aguilar branches.
At NYPL, Leslie was responsible for managing 13 neighborhood branches in diverse communities such as Harlem, the Upper East Side, and Midtown Manhattan. She developed and mentored library managers and staff, implemented strategic priorities, and coordinated capital projects, including the construction of new branches and renovations of historic buildings.
Before NYPL, Leslie was Branch Manager of the Norman Public Library in Oklahoma, overseeing one of the largest urban libraries in the system. There, she managed an 81-member staff, served more than 11,000 weekly patrons, and facilitated key infrastructure upgrades such as HVAC system installation and facility lighting improvements. Her leadership cultivated strong community ties, including initiatives like the introduction of North America’s first 24 24-hour library vending machines.
Project Management and Collaborative Administration
Leslie Tabor’s career also encompasses robust project management skills demonstrated through her roles in state and local government projects and consulting engagements. She has proven expertise in leading complex programs on time and within budget by effectively coordinating consultants, stakeholders, and government officials.
Her collaborative approach emphasizes team development, change management, and strategic administration. Whether guiding the creation of new library facilities or assisting urban development projects, Leslie applies best practices in communication, risk management, and resource allocation.
Sabbatical and Current Status
Since May 2025, Leslie has been on sabbatical, reflecting a phase dedicated to personal growth and professional rejuvenation. Her sabbatical period is a testament to her commitment to continuous learning and demonstrates her desire to bring fresh perspectives to future roles.
Also Read: Roshan Shah, A Dedicated Educator and Inspirational Math Teacher at Montebello High School
Conclusion
Leslie Tabor exemplifies the qualities of an innovative and dedicated library leader, project manager, and administrator. Through her extensive career, she has successfully bridged the realms of public librarianship and large-scale project management, creating meaningful impacts in every community she has served. With her solid educational background, professional certifications, and multifaceted experience, Leslie continues to inspire and influence the future of library services and community development.
Her legacy, especially her contributions to the Tompkins County Public Library and other institutions, underscores her commitment to expanding access to information and fostering collaborative environments for growth and innovation. Leslie Tabor remains a respected figure in the field, known for her strategic vision and passionate advocacy for libraries as essential public resources.
