Michelle Francis is the Executive Director of the Ohio Library Council, the professional association that represents Ohio’s 251 public library systems, including their administrators and staffs, trustees, and Friends groups. The OLC is acknowledged as one of the leading statewide library associations in the country and is consistently recognized among professional associations in Ohio for its outstanding advocacy efforts, information resources, and member services.

As the chief executive officer for the OLC, she is responsible for working with the OLC Board of Directors to establish and execute the strategic direction of the organization and the day-to-day direction and management of its 10-member staff.

Michelle was named the Executive Director in June 2019. Prior to that, she served as the OLC’s Director of Government and Legal Services where she monitored state and federal legislation affecting public libraries, directed OLC’s lobbying efforts, and assisted members with legal questions. She has been with the organization since 2014.

Before joining the OLC staff, she served as the Deputy Director of Legislative Services for the Ohio School Boards Association where she represented Ohio’s public school districts for nine years.

Michelle holds a Juris Doctorate Degree from Capital University Law School and is a graduate of Morehead State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science.