CivicStory recently welcomed board member Dee Magnoni!

Dee has 30+ years of experience in academic and STEM librarianship and is currently serving as the Associate University Librarian at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. She previously served as the President of the Special Libraries Association. 

Dee also has experience in strategic planning, community engagement, open-access policy development, nonprofit leadership, and government. 

Our part-time Development Coordinator, Hailey Spinks, caught up with Dee and asked her a few questions about her personal interests and why she is excited to be working with CivicStory.

CivicStory: What excited you about serving on CivicStory’s board? 

Dee: I have been hiking, canoeing, camping, and exploring the outdoors since I was a young child. My grandfather introduced me to the wonder of the outdoors and to the exploration of our state. This wonder and joy were accompanied by an understanding of our role in the stewardship of our environment and our community. 

CivicStory enriches and grows the lessons and joy that our environment and community cultivate in each of us. I am excited to bring my own background to CivicStory, and to help advance our mission

CivicStory: What impact do you hope to have as a trustee?

Dee: My broad non-profit, organizational, and leadership experience can benefit CivicStory on an organizational, governance, and operations level. I also hope to bring my passion for our environment and community into to sharing ideas and impact strategy.

CivicStory: Where did you grow up, and what drew you to library management?

Dee: My hometown is Dunellen, New Jersey.

When I realized that the person who would become my life partner was in the Navy, I leveraged my diverse science and humanities interests into a career that was mobile and thrived on curiosity and learning: librarianship.

Through sixteen moves in ten states, I was able to build my career in librarianship. My interest in management and leadership stemmed from my strong desire to be mission-driven, grow and support organizations, and deeply understand the needs of our users, whether they were scientists, students, faculty members, businesspeople, or creatives.

CivicStory: Since returning to New Jersey, what has surprised you?

Dee: Growing up in New Jersey, I thought that I knew my state. This past year I was accepted as a Fellow in LeadNJ, an organization that develops and trains NJ leaders to help empower and transform our state while building a network of business, organizational, and academic leaders. My experience with this organization has brought me to many parts of the state where I’ve had the opportunity to see the citizens of New Jersey make a difference in their communities, to understand state organizations and initiatives, and to learn about myself, my cohort peers, and our State.

I have always appreciated the nature, culture, and industry of our state. I have been surprised to learn the breadth and depth of what our citizens and leaders do together.

We have many challenges, but we have an incredibly strong range of individuals dedicated to finding solutions together. 

CivicStory: What brings you joy? Do you have any favorite recreational activities? 

Dee: My family, and spending time with them, brings me tremendous joy, as does being out in nature. Following my curiosity to learn and grow, while working with others to make a difference, to rise by lifting each other, both fulfills me and brings me joy. 

My favorite activities include hiking, reading, and exploring restaurants, markets, and farms. Discovering local artists and performance venues is tremendously fun.