Jo Lahmon

Jo Lahmon is an accomplished library leader and public service professional with more than three decades of experience in librarianship and library administration. She currently serves as Regional Manager for the Cobb County Library System in Georgia, where she oversees the operations of five library branches, supports branch managers, and ensures the delivery of high-quality services that meet the diverse needs of the community. Beginning her career as a high school library worker and later as a library clerk, Jo has built an impressive career spanning government, academic, and public libraries. Her educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Business Administration from Delta State University, a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a Ph.D. in Library and Information Studies from Florida State University.

Throughout her career, Jo has developed recognized expertise in business information and library leadership while remaining committed to expanding access to knowledge and information resources. She has authored scholarly work on providing virtual information resources for off-campus students and has presented on topics including library resources and modern legacy planning for seniors. An active member of the American Library Association and the Georgia Library Association, Jo is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of library professionals, encouraging staff members to pursue library science degrees and volunteering with Circles Cobb to help individuals and families overcome poverty through budgeting, goal setting, and personal development.

Jo attributes her professional success to the unwavering support of her colleagues, family, church community, and her own service-oriented mindset. She believes libraries remain essential by adapting to the changing information landscape while continuing to serve as trusted community resources. As she looks toward retirement in the coming years, Jo hopes to create new opportunities for herself while inspiring others through her career journey. She encourages aspiring women in the profession to identify their unique niche and pursue opportunities across the many sectors where library and information professionals can make a meaningful impact, including public libraries, government, higher education, healthcare, schools, and the private sector.