Houston Mayor Appoints Sandy Gaw as New Library Director

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced the appointment of Sandy Gaw as the new Director of the Houston Public Library. Gaw’s appointment, effective immediately, follows her confirmation by the City Council on Wednesday, August 28th, 2024.

Gaw, a long-time educator fluent in three languages, brings extensive experience in education and leadership to the role. Her career highlights include being named Houston Independent School District Principal of the Year for 2014-2015 and HISD North Area Bilingual Teacher of the Year in 1998. She holds a Master’s degree in Mid-Management and a Teacher Certification from Houston Baptist University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Psychology from the University of Houston.

Mayor Whitmire praised Gaw’s track record, stating, “Sandy Gaw is an accomplished public servant with a track record of success. Her proven dedication to education and her innovative leadership approach make her an outstanding choice to lead our libraries into the future. With her at the helm, we can look forward to a new era of growth and innovation for our libraries.”

As Library Director, Gaw will manage the operations of all city libraries, aiming to enhance community engagement, expand bilingual and multicultural programs, and address the evolving needs of the city’s diverse populations.

Gaw expressed her enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I am honored to be entrusted with the stewardship of our city’s libraries. I look forward to working closely with Mayor Whitmire and our community to foster a love for learning and ensure our libraries remain vibrant centers of knowledge and culture.”