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July 24, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Andrea Castillo

(301) 699-3500 x6158

Andrea.castillo@pgcmls.info

Four new members join Board of Library Trustees 

New Board of Library Trustees Members

Sandra S. Johnson, Rhea L. Marshall, Mark A. Sandoe, and Chanté R. Sedwick (l-r) are the newest members of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System Board of Trustees. Photo by Toni A. Smith

Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) welcomes four new members to its Board of Library Trustees: Sandra S. Johnson, Rhea L. Marshall, Mark A. Sandoe, and Chanté R. Sedwick. 

The appointments of Johnson, Marshall, Sandoe, and Sedwick were confirmed by the Prince George’s County Council on June 18, and the new board members were also recognized at a ceremonial public Library Board meeting on July 18. The four join Chair Angela D. Smith, Vice Chair Sylvia Bolivar, and member Robert Fernandez on the PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees. 

“This is an exciting milestone for PGCMLS as we welcome four new trustee members to our board,” Smith said. “I look forward to collaborating with each of them to bolster and advance our library system, ensuring we continue meeting the diverse needs of our communities.”

The Library Board is a seven-member policy-making body that guides the development of library services for PGCMLS. Responsibilities also include setting systemwide priorities, overseeing library resources to make sure they are used effectively toward achieving systemwide goals, serving as representatives for the Library at community events, and advocating for the system to state and county leadership, among other duties. 

“We are honored to welcome four new Board of Library Trustees members, who have expressed enthusiasm for volunteering to serve in this capacity, particularly at this time of real opportunity for PGCMLS,” said Library CEO Mark Winston, Ph.D. 

Sandra S. Johnson

Sandra S. Johnson is a risk management professional with over two decades of experience in the private and nonprofit sectors. Her expertise lies in crisis management, business continuity, and developing effective strategies to ensure operational resilience. In her current leadership role at a financial service holding company, she collaborates with stakeholders at all levels to drive continuous improvement in risk management and organizational preparedness.

Previously, she has headed similar roles at other multinational organizations. As a passionate, lifelong advocate for reading and literacy, Johnson actively promotes the importance of literacy in both personal and professional spheres. She believes that a strong foundation in reading and literacy not only enhances individual growth and knowledge but also plays a crucial role in building resilient communities.

Johnson has a master’s in technology management from Georgetown University, a master’s in management specializing in homeland security from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and an undergraduate degree from Howard University. She is a Certified Business Continuity Planning Professional (CBCP) recognized by Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII). Johnson, her husband Wardell and children, reside in Bowie. She replaces Patrice Garnette on the board. Johnson’s term ends December 31, 2028. 

Rhea L. Marshall 

Rhea L. Marshall joined the Board of Library Trustees in June 2024. An avid reader and lifelong public library patron, she believes the library is an important hub for our community where residents should have access to a wide array of resources.

Marshall is a strategic communications professional with more than 20 years of experience at leading organizations in the energy, healthcare, and higher education arenas. Her areas of expertise include reputation building and issues management, change communications and employee engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in communication from the University of Pennsylvania. Marshall and her family reside in Upper Marlboro. Marshall replaces Brett Crawford on the board. Her term ends December 31, 2027. 

Mark A. Sandoe 

Mark A. Sandoe is an experienced human resources leader with over 30 years specializing in compensation, HR information systems, and performance management, having implemented HR systems, compensation programs and expatriate programs globally. For the past 10 years, he has led compensation and performance management programs in the federal government.

Previously, he worked directly with disadvantaged youth in a group-home setting for several years. Along with his advocacy for at-risk youth, he is also passionate about supporting the freedom to read and human rights for immigrants and other marginalized voices who often go unheard.

Sandoe has degrees in business administration and public relations/marketing from Ball State University and has achieved certification in compensation, global remuneration, and as a global professional of human resources. He resides in Fort Washington. Sandoe replaces Toni A. Smith on the board. His term ends December 31, 2026.

Chanté R. Sedwick

Chanté R. Sedwick is the communications strategy director at a national nonprofit in Washington, DC, where she drives communications strategy and integrated consumer messaging across social, digital, publications, earned, and paid media channels. 

Sedwick is a seasoned strategist with over 25 years of marketing and communications experience in membership and healthcare organizations delivering significant contributions towards strategic brand alignment, leading campaigns that build awareness and engagement, support revenue and member growth, and deliver on social mission.

Sedwick is a graduate of Hamilton College and earned a master’s degree from Penn State University and an MBA from Kogod School of Business at American University. She resides in Bowie. Sedwick replaces Dr. Arthuree R.M. Wright on the board. Her term ends December 31, 2027.

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About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Workforce and Economic Development. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.