Charlene Alonso
President, 2025-2026

Charlene is currently a Library Associate III/Adult Volunteer Facilitator with the Palm Beach County Library System. In her role, she plays a vital part in enhancing community engagement through library services and volunteer coordination. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Correctional Program Support Services from University of Phoenix, where she developed a strong foundation in understanding diverse populations and their needs. Currently, Charlene is furthering her education by pursuing a Master's Degree in Business Management.

Throughout her tenure at PBCLS, Charlene has actively contributed to various committees that focus on inclusivity and representation. Notably, she has served on the African American Alliance Committee, where she worked to promote cultural awareness and support for African American communities.

Her mission: "To inspire others through her passion for libraries while fostering a supportive community that values lifelong learning and personal growth."

Charlene enjoys a variety of personal interests that enrich her life. She enjoys exploring new places allowing her to gain fresh perspectives and experiences. Most importantly, Charlene values spending quality time with friends and family, recognizing the importance of personal relationships in maintaining a balanced life.

Tiffany Pagan
President-Elect, 2025-2026

Born and raised in South Florida, Tiffany Pagan has always had a genuine passion for the libraries that serve her community. With nearly two decades of experience at the Boynton Beach City Library—starting in high school and working her way up to Assistant Library Director—she brings a deep understanding of public service and leadership. Tiffany holds a Master of Science in Information from Florida State University, a Master’s degree in Accounting, and is a proud graduate of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute. She values the power of knowledge and helping others access it. In her free time, she unwinds through creative projects and globe-trotting family trips.

Jessica Waters
Past President, 2025-2026

Jessica earned her Master of Science in Information from Florida State University in 2023 and is a graduate of the Sunshine State Library Leadership Institute. She has worked in public libraries since 2009, holding a variety of roles throughout her career. Jessica spent more than six years as a Member Services Manager with the Palm Beach County Library System, where she focused on public service and team development. Outside of librarianship, she enjoys caring for house plants, working on jigsaw puzzles, and traveling.

Valerrie Pritt
Treasurer, 2025-2027

Valerrie Pritt holds a background in Business Administration and earned her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University in 2005. After relocating to South Florida, she accepted a position as a Library Associate, where she discovered a passion for community service. This inspired her to pursue further education in Library Science, and she earned her MLIS from the University of South Florida in 2015. Shortly after, she was promoted to a Librarian and began combining her business knowledge with her library work to support the local business community. Today, Valerrie serves as the Business Librarian for the Palm Beach County Library System, where she connects businesses and job seekers with county resources, classes, research support, and outreach events.

Nafisah Hamed
Secretary, 2024-2026

Nafisah kick-started her journey in library services as a Staff Development and Personnel Administrative Technician at the Palm Beach County Library System in February 2023. She's a proud holder of a Master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida and is currently making a difference as a Research Librarian at the Acreage Branch.

While pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Florida, she wore the hats of Financial Coordinator and Treasurer for the Gator Anime Club. She handled a substantial budget and pulled off SwampCon, an event that drew in thousands of anime enthusiasts from all over the state. Plus, she shared her love for dance by teaching at the university from 2018 to 2020. At present, Nafisah is an active participant in the Amplifying Pacifica and Asia committee within PBCLS. She also lends expertise to a number of other committees within the organization and throughout the county.

Apart from her routine responsibilities, Nafisah has been a driving force in launching several initiatives within the library system. She's employed strategic and inventive methods that have significantly boosted the library's service efficiency and effectiveness. When she's not busy with her professional roles, Nafisah is an ardent admirer of arts and culture. She keeps this interest alive through various community engagements and personal projects, thereby enriching her worldview and adding a distinctive creative touch to her work.

Melissa Welden
Membership Chair, 2024-2026

Melissa Welden is a native South Floridian who grew up in Broward County then moved to Palm Beach County as a newlywed in 2004. That same year she began her 20-year career as an elementary school teacher for the School District of Palm Beach County. In August 2022, she enrolled in the M.L.I.S. degree program at University of South Florida. She loves learning new things and was inspired to become a librarian while taking her sons to the children’s programs at the Royal Palm Beach Branch. She also volunteered at the Acreage Branch while earning her degree.

She worked as a Media Specialist from August 2023 to April 2024 at Northmore Elementary. During that time she weeded the entire school library collection, collaborated on a Winter Reading Program with the West Palm Beach Mandel Public Library, added many new titles per student requests to the library collection, and designed a “new” shelf area to help get students excited about reading. After graduating with her M.L.I.S. degree in December 2023, she decided to follow her dream of working for the Palm Beach County Library System and applied for and accepted a position as a Research Librarian at the Acreage Branch in April 2024.

Makeisha Johnson
Director: Public Libraries, 2025-2027

Makeisha began her journey with the Palm Beach County Library System as a student employee in 2012. In 2018, she transitioned into the role of Library Associate 2 in Member Services, and in 2022, proudly earned her Master’s in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. Makeisha currently serves as a Research Librarian and is honored to be the Chair of the African American Alliance for the Palm Beach County Library System. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, crafting, reading, exploring new restaurants, and playing video games.

Alia Spencer
Director: Academic Libraries, 2024-2026

Alia Spencer is currently a faculty librarian at Palm Beach State College.  She earned a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Ms. Spencer is a member of the Medical Library Association and Palm Beach County Reentry Taskforce.  Her work explores the positive impact of academic instructions in the health, development, and education of returning residents. In her spare time, Ms. Spencer enjoys supporting community outreach efforts that improve the quality and length of life for those in underserved communities.

Jennifer Movic
Director At-Large, 2025-2027

Jennifer Movic is a Literacy Programming Specialist with the Lake Worth Beach City Library, where she develops inclusive programs, manages outreach initiatives, and supports digital services. Since joining the library field, she has taken on a wide range of responsibilities including marketing, grant writing, and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance public access and engagement.

Jennifer holds an OMCP certification in digital marketing and combines her skills in communications and design to help libraries strengthen their visibility and community connections. Her article, “Digital Innovations in Libraries: Shaping the Future with Emerging Technologies,” was published in the Florida Libraries Journal in 2025, highlighting her passion for blending tradition with forward-thinking approaches.

She is the recipient of the 2025 Betty Davis Miller Youth Services Award in recognition of her work promoting literacy and equitable access. Jennifer is currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Communications at Palm Beach Atlantic University. She looks forward to the opportunity to support PBCLA’s mission and contribute to the continued growth and collaboration of Palm Beach County’s library community.