27 July, 2023
Town of Hopkinton Fills Newly Created Roles to Enhance Library Services; Sustainability, Economic Development, and Equity Initiatives
Town Manager Norman Khumalo is pleased to announce that the Town of Hopkinton has created and filled two new positions within the town to further enhance initiatives and programming.
Julia Chun has been appointed as the first Sustainability, Economic Development and Equity Project Manager, and Danielle Cook has been promoted to serve as the first Reference and Technology Supervisor at the Hopkinton Public Library. Both were approved to fill the new roles during the July 11 Select Board meeting.
“We are delighted to welcome Julia and Danielle to their new roles,” said Town Manager Khumalo. “Both of these positions are important additions to the town to help us further various initiatives and programs, and we are excited to see the new ideas and professionalism that Julia and Danielle will bring."
Julia Chun
Chun will be responsible for the creation and coordination of the town’s unified strategy regarding sustainability, economic development and equity initiatives. She started in the new role on Monday, July 24.
She will plan, develop, manage and promote programs and policies related to sustainability and climate change, water use efficiency, solid waste management, energy conservation and more, which are designed to achieve a balance among ecological, economic and social systems. This will include developing, promoting and implementing the Climate Action Plan and related initiatives, as well as maintaining compliance with the town's 2010 Green Communities designation from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources.
Chun will also coordinate economic development functions of the town, including consulting and relationship building with local, regional and state officials, community leaders and business executives. These activities will promote growth, strengthen the local economy, and diversify the town's tax base through the expansion and retention of existing businesses, as well as the attraction of new businesses. All efforts will be done through a lens of sustainability and equity.
She will also assist in providing and promoting a structure for all ongoing and future town equity initiatives.
Chun comes to the Town of Hopkinton from the Boston Chamber of Commerce where she worked as the Economic Inclusion Coordinator since July 2022. In this position, she developed procurement equity initiatives, completed research on the economic landscape, created resource hubs and more.
Since May 2022, Chun also worked in project management and research for the National Juvenile Justice Network. She has additional experience in community planning and engagement, and legislative research.
Chun holds a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Urban Economic Geography with a concentration in Law and Sociology.
Danielle Cook
Cook has experience in a wide variety of library services, including circulation, reference, collection development and technology management. She worked as the Adult Services Librarian at the Hopkinton Public Library since March 2022, assisting patrons in locating materials and resources, coordinating library programming, maintaining library technology and more. From 2019-2022, Cook worked as a Reference and Technology Librarian in Hopkinton. She also previously worked at the Marlborough Public Library.
Cook is committed to community outreach and partnerships, maintaining up-to-date, diverse and dynamic collections, and providing educational and engaging programming, all of which contribute to the library's ability to meet the informational and recreational needs of the adults of Hopkinton.
As Adult Services Librarian, Cook coordinated Hop 101, a program where Hopkinton residents can learn about local government, nonprofits and businesses. The idea for Hop 101 began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic when former Library Director Heather Backman had town departments set up tables throughout the library for residents to visit and talk with town representatives.
Cook expanded on Hop 101 in 2022 and it was hosted on the Town Common. A total of 48 town departments, churches and local nonprofits set up tables on the Common, offering information and giveaways to visitors. Over 100 residents attended the event. In 2023, Hop 101 was held at Hopkinton High School and local businesses were also invited to join. A total of 70 groups participated and over 160 residents attended.
As the Reference and Technology Supervisor, Cook will manage all aspects of the Adult Reference and Technology Departments, determine departmental needs, assess current programs, and propose and implement changes for improved operations. She will also work to ensure that patrons are able to access library resources and relevant technology. She began in the new position on July 12.
Cook holds a Master's of Library and Information Science and a bachelor’s degree in English Literature.
