"One" Interview with Nan Carmack
2024 President, 2025 Interim Executive Director

Your itinerary for one perfect day in Virginia:

I’d start the morning with coffee by the creek at the Blue Ridge State Park, under the Peaks of Otter. Then I’d hike Sharp Top and soak in the views of the Roanoke Valley. After some delicious tomato and mayo sandwiches from Gross’s Orchard, I’d click my ruby red slippers for a dusk beach walk at Sandbridge Beach, counting the stars in the gorgeous night skies.

One thing you can’t live without:

Can I make two simultaneous things? Coffee on my patio with my dog in my lap. Coffee and dogs soothe any jangled nerves and make moment of ritual as I begin or end my day.

One project or initiative you’re most proud of from your presidential term:

I am very proud of the Libraratory and Art Show experience at the conference: it was a delight to see so many people engaged in neuro-cognitive work where they could flex their creative muscles and connect their right and left brains.

One favorite memory from your presidency’s annual conference:

So many to choose from! I think my favorite was cutting the conference ribbon with Vivian Washington (our incoming president) and Kimberly Knight (our immediate past president) representing our past, present, and future leadership.

One piece of advice for library workers:

We are all humans. Handle with care, including (especially!) yourself!

One post-presidency accomplishment you’d like to share:

I was delighted to lead VLA through its executive director search and transition. I learned so much about VLA and got to work with so many more members through this process.