Keefer Hired as Defiance Public Library System CFO

The Defiance Public Library System (DPLS) Board of Trustees has hired Kristi Keefer to serve as the library system’s new Chief Fiscal Officer (CFO).

Keefer is a Defiance resident who, prior to joining DPLS, worked for 30 years as a financial analyst for Sauder Woodworking Company.

She holds a degree in accounting from Defiance College. “I am honored and excited to help lead this extraordinary community organization,” Keefer said. “The Defiance Public Library System has been a part of my family’s life for generations, while also passing down the legacy of the tremendous library resources to my family.”

The CFO is responsible for the library system’s financial accounting operations, coordinating procedures with the library director, and ensuring that all accounting operations comply with federal, state, and local law, as well as the directives of the state auditor and policies and decisions of the Board of Trustees. Other duties include, but are not limited to, preparing long- and short-range financial projections and investing available funds per the Ohio Revised Code.

“Every day, libraries positively impact their communities, and I look forward to leading our dedicated team as we innovate to meet our patrons’ needs,” Keefer said. “I am grateful for this opportunity andam looking forward to continuing DPLS’ fiscal legacy of transparency, accuracy, and accountability.

“With such a dedicated and committed staff and leadership team, I will help continue building upon DPLS’ foundation while bringing new ideas to life for the future.”

Keefer will begin in her new role May 12.