Strategic Plan

Marylynne Schwartz is a Miami native. She grew up going to the Miami Lakes branch until going away to college at Princeton University. After living nearly 20 years in Chicago, she moved back to Miami in 2022 and has been making weekly visits to the Pinecrest branch since then. She recently became involved with the Friends as a way of giving back to the library that has done so much for her and the community. Her favorite book is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. 

Liz Lasher and her family have called Miami home since 2012, settling in Coconut Grove after time in New York, Washington, D.C., and several years living aboard a 40' sailboat. Volunteerism has long been central to Liz’s life, from supporting the McLean Humane Society to providing dog therapy at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and managing crisis counseling at the DC Rape Crisis Center. 

Liz holds a B.S. in Biology and Bioethics from the University of Virginia and an M.P.H. from UNC–Chapel Hill. Prior to retiring in 2021, she led the North American Sales Engineering and Global Product Marketing teams at FICO.

An avid reader, Liz enjoys humor, mysteries, science fiction, and fantasy - favorites ranging from Dave Barry and Nero Wolfe to Throne of Glass and Erik Larson’s nonfiction. As Chair of the Friends’ Communications Committee, Liz leads marketing and outreach efforts across print, digital, and social platforms, working to raise awareness, strengthen the organization’s voice, and ensure the mission of supporting the public library resonates with the community.

Adam Schwartz might tell you he's from Chicago, but the truth is he was born on Florida’s Gulf Coast. A lifelong reader, Adam has vivid memories of scouring the new release shelves at his local library as a child, always searching for the latest fantasy or science fiction titles. He credits a volunteer project helping library patrons navigate the internet with bolstering his college application just enough to be accepted. After earning a degree in Economics from Princeton, Adam spent over 20 years in investment management. As Treasurer for the Friends, he oversees the organization’s budget and aspires to grow the endowment to ensure its future success. His favorite book is The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, though he’s still eagerly awaiting the long-delayed third volume of the series—14 years and counting!

Jessica Neer McDonald is a Miami native and longtime patron of the Miami-Dade Public Library System. With early experiences roaming library aisles and attending library events, she brings a personal connection to her leadership role. In addition to her service on the Board, Jessica is the founder and managing attorney of the local Trademark and Copyright law firm, Neer McD, and active in other community events that increase access to knowledge and resources. Jessica especially loves exchanging book recommendations, painting with her kids, and playing (almost) any sport.

With more than 25 years of experience leading dynamic book clubs in the US, Canada, and Latin America, Aileen Sabanal has built a career at the intersection of literature, education, and community. As a literary publicist, she has championed NY Times bestselling authors and stories, amplifying voices across the publishing world. Aileen serves as a trusted partner to the Friends as Chair of the Community Engagement Committee, developing programs and partnerships that strengthen communities through the power of books. She has led the creation of the Bookclubbers Book Club Fair and the Great Big Free Book Fair. 

A bibliophile that reads on average 3 books per week, you’ll often find Aileen at our Pinecrest or Coral Gables branch looking for a new read. For her latest book recommendations, follow Aileen on Instagram @readsbyaileen. 

Kristy is a daily Libby user, feeding her audiobook obsession while cheerleading the library to anyone who will listen. Kristy Co-Chaired the Friends' 50th Anniversary Celebration and 2025's Late at the Library: A Beyond Books Benefit. 

Currently on hiatus from a 20 year career in the property management industry, Kristy dedicates much of her free time to volunteering. She has sat on Junior League of Miami Boards for the past five years and been an active volunteer on numerous Miami Dade non-profit organizations for over 20 years.