Kitsap Regional Library announces that Executive Director Jason Driver will resign from his position effective December 31, 2026, as he prepares to become the next Chief Executive Director of St. Louis Public Library. Driver and his family will return to the Midwest, bringing them closer to extended family.
Since joining the Library in February 2022, Driver has led the organization through a period of significant growth, investment, and transformation. During his tenure, the Library strengthened its long-term financial foundation, expanded access to services and resources, invested in staff development, and established an ambitious vision for the future of public library service in Kitsap County.
“Jason Driver arrived at Kitsap Regional Library with a clear sense of purpose and unwavering desire to serve the organization, and he leaves us on a positive trajectory of progress. Under his leadership, the Library secured a stable funding foundation for the next decade, set a bold course through Thrive Ahead (the Library’s 2024-2029 Strategic Direction), opens a new window, and made a lasting commitment to ensuring the Kitsap County community, particularly those we have not always reached, feels welcome here. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am sad to see Jason go, and I am grateful for everything he has given to this Library and community. At the same time, I know that St. Louis Public Library is gaining a thoughtful, principled, and visionary leader, and I am confident it will be a wonderful fit for him and his family. We wish them every happiness as they return closer to home,” said Gina Steiner, president of the Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees.
Among the significant accomplishments during Driver's tenure, Kitsap Regional Library passed Proposition 1, securing stable library funding for another 10 years; developed and launched the 2024-2029 Strategic Direction; and reimagined its Summer Learning program to remove barriers to participation and make learning opportunities more accessible to children and families throughout Kitsap County.
A commitment to access and belonging has been central to the Library's Strategic Direction. Through this work, the Library established a renewed mission, vision, and organizational values, focusing on fostering welcoming spaces, building collective impact, and ensuring the Library is accessible and relevant to all communities, particularly those historically underserved.
Other milestones during Driver's tenure include advancing plans for a new library in Port Orchard and first steps for visioning the replacement of the Sylvan Way library, expanding
mobile library services and digital access, strengthening partnerships with organizations and groups across Kitsap, and celebrating the organization's 80th anniversary. Driver also supported expanded staff development and training opportunities, establishing a second full day of staff training and increasing staff recognition and appreciation.
"Serving as Executive Director of Kitsap Regional Library has been one of the great honors of my career. I have come to care deeply about this organization and the people who make it what it is, and I am proud of what we accomplished together during a challenging time for libraries. From passing Proposition 1 and launching the Strategic Direction to expanding access and investing in our staff, none of it would have been possible without a dedicated team, a supportive Board of Trustees, and a community that truly values its library. In recent years, my family has experienced real loss, and it has reminded us that family comes first.
Returning to the Midwest will bring us closer to the people we love, and I am excited to begin this next chapter with St. Louis Public Library. I also believe in knowing when it is time to step aside so others can lead. Kitsap Regional Library is in capable hands, and I cannot wait to see what this remarkable team accomplishes next," said Driver.
Driver will begin his new position at St. Louis Public Library on January 4, 2027.
Looking Ahead
Driver will work with the Board of Trustees during the coming weeks to support a smooth leadership transition. The Board, in partnership with Human Resources, will begin the process of recruiting Kitsap Regional Library's next Executive Director.
During the transition, Deputy Director and Chief Financial and Operating Officer Dan Baer, Interim Deputy Director of Human Resources Chandra Talerico, and the Library's leadership team will continue overseeing operations and services.
“Jason’s work has left Kitsap Regional Library well positioned for what comes next. We are fortunate to have an exceptional leadership team in Dan Baer, Chandra Talerico, and their colleagues, along with a talented and dedicated staff who bring our mission of inspiring curiosity and connection to life every day. The Board remains fully committed to the communities we serve, and we will approach the search for our next Executive Director with care, transparency, and a deep respect for the foundation Jason has helped build,” Steiner said.
The Board of Trustees remains committed to the Library's mission and strategic direction as the organization continues its work to foster welcoming and inclusive spaces, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities throughout Kitsap County.
About Kitsap Regional Library
Kitsap Regional Library’s mission is “inspiring curiosity and connection.” To meet the needs of the more than 277,000 people who live here, Kitsap Regional Library maintains nine locations, along with a mobile outreach service and a digital library at KRL.org.
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