Officer Elections
Candidates for SELA Leadership Positions
President-Elect
Paula Webb
Paula Lenor Webb is the Outreach and Communications Librarian at the University of
South Alabama Libraries, where she develops innovative programs that connect academic libraries with their campuses and surrounding communities. She oversees the University Libraries
Art Galleries and has led the creation of numerous interdisciplinary initiatives that promote cultural engagement, experiential learning, and community partnerships, including the
Jazz Art Writers South (JAWSFest) and JAWSYouth programs.
An active contributor to the library profession, Paula regularly presents at state, regional, and national conferences and publishes research focused on
academic library outreach, arts-based programming, community engagement, and institutional impact. She is actively involved in professional organizations
and is committed to advancing librarianship through collaboration, leadership, and mentoring.>br>
In addition to her library career, Paula is also an author. She is passionate about preserving history, fostering lifelong learning, and demonstrating the
evolving role of libraries as centers for creativity, scholarship, and community engagement.
Secretary
Beck Bickford
Becky Bickford, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, has been a librarian for ten years.
She began her career at South Georgia State University before transferring to Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi. When her husband retired,
they moved to Tennessee to be closer to family. Becky is currently the Veterinary Librarian for Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Becky has been active in SELA for several years, serving as the Treasurer for the last four years. She is excited to be running for Secretary, and looks forward
to seeing everyone in Louisville.
Treasurer
Crystal Gates
Crystal R. Gates is the CEO/Chief Librarian of the North Little Rock Public Library System in Arkansas, where she has the privilege of leading an incredible team dedicated to serving its community. A public library director for more than 16 years, she is passionate about building strong organizations, developing future leaders, and ensuring libraries remain vibrant and sustainable for generations to come.
Crystal is a Past President of the Southeastern Library Association and the Arkansas Library Association and currently serves as PLA Councilor to the American Library Association. Throughout her career, she has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, grants, audits, and long-range financial planning, experiences that have reinforced her belief that sound financial stewardship is essential.
When she's not at the library or volunteering with professional associations, Crystal enjoys spending time with her husband of nearly 30 years, their two spirited pups, Bayou and Roux, and finding any excuse to visit the beach. She would be honored to serve as SELA Treasurer and help ensure the Association remains financially strong while continuing to support and connect library professionals across the Southeast.