Jessica Waters
President, 2024-2025

Jessica is currently a Research Librarian for the Palm Beach County Library System. She began her career in 2009 when she was hired as a Library Associate II in the circulation department at the Royal Palm Beach Branch. In 2012 she was promoted to Library Associate III at the Glades Road Branch. Jessica worked in several positions at Glades Road before being promoted to Member Services Manager in 2018. She is involved in multiple committees within the Palm Beach County Library System and has received several employee recognition awards from her peers. In 2023, Jessica earned her Master of Science in Information from Florida State University completing the program in a single year and is looking forward to completing the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute later this year.

In her free time, Jessica likes to knit and crochet, care for her alarming number of orchids, and travel with her husband.

Charlene Alonso
President-Elect, 2024-2025

Charlene is currently a Library Associate III/Adult Volunteer Facilitator with the Palm Beach County Library System. She began her career with Palm Beach County as a preschool teacher in 2007. Then transitioned to her library career in 2020 working as a Library Associate II at the Main Library. She graduated from Palm Beach State College earning an Associate’s degree in Education. She also graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor’s degree in Correctional Program Support Services.

During her time at PBCLS, Charlene has served on the United Way Committee and the African American Alliance where she is currently the Membership Chair. She is also a member of The Florida Library Association, and a member of the PBCLA Events Committee. When she's not working, she enjoys reading books, exploring new places, networking, and spending time with friends and family.

Max La Mura
Past President, 2024-2025

Max La Mura has been a Librarian in the Research Department with the Palm Beach County Library system since November 2019. He received his MLIS from the University of South Florida in 2018. He previously worked for Miami-Dade Public Library System as a Children's librarian. While Max was with the Boca Raton Public Library he worked as a Library Assistant for the Program Services, Circulation, and Instructional Services departments. Some of his past projects included the development of the Discover Studio and Youth Makers program (Boca Raton Public Library) and he is currently the Pop Up Media Lab Coordinator for the Palm Beach County Library - Glades Road Branch. 

Max has been a member of the United Way committee for the Palm Beach County Library System since 2021; other notable achievements include SSLLI Graduate 2018-2019. Additionally, he is an accomplished Trombonist having received his Masters of Trombone Performance from Florida Atlantic University.

Amanda Woolf
Treasurer, 2022-2025

Amanda earned her Bachelor’s in Information Studies from Florida State University.  She began working for the Palm Beach County Library System (PBCLS) in May 2001 as a Library Associate II in the Serials department.  In February 2006, she was promoted to Library Technician in Serials.  After graduating in 2012 from Florida State University with a Master’s in Library and Information Studies, Amanda started as a Reference Librarian at the Acreage Branch of PBCLS where she taught computer classes and hosted programs in addition to reference work.  In October 2017, Amanda was promoted to Collection Development Librarian for PBCLS and her focus is on eBooks, e-audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs. Amanda is a graduate of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute, has received several Employee Recognition Awards and a Golden Palm, and has been a member of PBCLA since 2013.

Nafisah Hamed
Secretary, 2024-2026

Nafisah kick-started her journey in library services as a Staff Development and Personnel Administrative Technician at the Palm Beach County Library System in February 2023. She's a proud holder of a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and is currently making a difference as a Research Librarian at the Acreage Branch.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, she wore the hats of Financial Coordinator and Treasurer for the Gator Anime Club. She handled a substantial budget and pulled off SwampCon, an event that drew in thousands of anime enthusiasts from all over the state. Plus, she shared her love for dance by teaching at the university from 2018 to 2020. At present, Nafisah is an active participant in the Amplifying Asia and Pacifica committee within the Palm Beach County Library System. She also lends expertise to a number of other committees within the organization and throughout the county. Nafisah was a temporary Administrative Assistant for Mayor Maria Sachs for a period of time as well.

Apart from her routine responsibilities, Nafisah has been a driving force in launching several initiatives within the library system. She's employed strategic and inventive methods that have significantly boosted the library's service efficiency and effectiveness. When she's not busy with her professional roles, Nafisah is an ardent admirer of arts and culture. She keeps this interest alive through various community engagements and personal projects, thereby enriching her worldview and adding a distinctive creative touch to her work.

Being a lifelong learner, Nafisah continually seeks professional development avenues to stay updated in her field. Her steadfast dedication and commitment speak volumes of her love for library sciences and her resolve to contribute positively to her community.

Melissa Welden
Membership Chair, 2024-2026

Melissa Welden is a native South Floridian who grew up in Broward County then moved to Palm Beach County as a newlywed in 2004. That same year she began her 20-year career as an elementary school teacher for the School District of Palm Beach County. In August 2022, she enrolled in the M.L.I.S. degree program at University of South Florida. She loves learning new things and was inspired to become a librarian while taking her sons to the children’s programs at the Royal Palm Beach Branch. She also volunteered at the Acreage Branch while earning her degree.

She worked as a Media Specialist from August 2023 to April 2024 at Northmore Elementary. During that time she weeded the entire school library collection, collaborated on a Winter Reading Program with the West Palm Beach Mandel Public Library, added many new titles per student requests to the library collection, and designed a “new” shelf area to help get students excited about reading. After graduating with her M.L.I.S. degree in December 2023, she decided to follow her dream of working for the Palm Beach County Library System and applied for and accepted a position as a Research Librarian at the Acreage Branch in April 2024.

Doris Mendez-DeMaio
Director: Public Libraries, 2022-2025

Doris Mendez-DeMaio is the Branch Manager of the Palm Beach County Library System’s Acreage Branch in beautiful Loxahatchee, Florida. She began her library career as a Children’s Librarian at PBCLS’s Hagen Ranch Branch in 2012. In 2015, she became the Head of Children and Teen Services at the Main Library. Doris was promoted to her current position in 2018 where she has focused on mentoring and leading her team to pursue their career goals.

Alia Spencer
Director: Academic Libraries, 2024-2026

Alia Spencer is currently a faculty librarian at Palm Beach State College.  She earned a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Ms. Spencer is a member of the Medical Library Association and Palm Beach County Reentry Taskforce.  Her work explores the positive impact of academic instructions in the health, development, and education of returning residents. In her spare time, Ms. Spencer enjoys supporting community outreach efforts that improve the quality and length of life for those in underserved communities.

Tiffany Pagan
Director At-Large, 2023-2025

Born and raised in South Florida, I’ve always had a genuine passion for the libraries that serve our region. My professional experience includes almost two decades working at the Boynton Beach City Library, where I started in high school and held progressively-experienced roles, working my way up to Assistant to the Library Director. I possess a Master’s degree in accounting and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information degree at Florida State University. Libraries have fostered in me a deep appreciation for the power of knowledge and assisting others in their pursuit of information. In my leisure time, I find joy in indulging my creative side through crafting and exploring the wonders of the world through travel with my husband and daughter.