The King County Library System (KCLS) has hired Dominica Myers as its new director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Myers joined KCLS in October to head the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Department in a newly created leadership role, and will report to KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum.

Born and raised in Washington state, Myers comes to KCLS from Seattle Opera where she served as the associate director of administration with responsibility for company-wide Racial Equity and Social Impact initiatives.

Myers will be paid an annual salary of between $125,856 and $151,031, according to a public records request to the King County Library System.

Myers earned a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership from Seattle University and holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre arts with a minor in Spanish from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. She also serves on the Inspire Washington board of trustees and the Tacoma Creates advisory board.

“KCLS is deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion as part of our service to the public,” Rosenblum said in a Oct. 30 news release. “We began recruitment for this new role in July to expand leadership on our DEI initiatives, and we welcome Dominica to KCLS.”

“The people and geography of King County are a diverse tapestry of lived experiences, and the Library System is a reflection of that,” Myers said. “KCLS holds a tremendous responsibility for stewarding the public’s resources and trust toward creating an equitable and inclusive experience for patrons of all backgrounds. As the new DEI director, I certainly feel the weight of this charge, but am excited for the journey with you.”

“We greatly miss Dominica, though are very excited for the King County Library System to benefit from the expertise she will bring to this new position,” said Seattle Opera General Director Christina Scheppelmann. “Seattle Opera’s first Racial Equity and Social Impact Plan is the biggest and lasting impact of her tenure. Her leadership was indispensable for this crucial and thorough plan.”

Founded in 1942, the King County Library System serves the communities of King County (outside the City of Seattle), and has 50 libraries and more than 700,000 cardholders.