Board Appoints Benggio Acting Director

The South Carolina State Library’s Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Leesa Benggio as Acting Director of the South Carolina State Library.

Benggio has been employed by the South Carolina State Library for seven years, serving as Deputy Director and Interim Agency Director.  She has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Change and Leadership from Columbia College and has applied to the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science.  She has represented the South Carolina State Library both locally and nationally at the U.S. House and Senate and has over 20 years of experience in administration, business operations, budgeting, financial forecasting, leadership, and human resources.  

“I believe that libraries are imperative to the success of a community and South Carolina as a whole,” said Benggio. She also stated, “South Carolinians use their libraries to look and apply for jobs, pursue personal interests, educate their families, and enrich their lives.  My work in libraries has been both rewarding and challenging, and I look forward to a successful future with all of our public libraries, partner agencies, and extraordinary staff.”

According to Debbie Hyler, South Carolina State Library Board Chair, “Leesa has been a loyal fixture within the library for years and has successfully led this agency in the past. We look forward to the future under her leadership.”

Benggio officially began her position as Acting Director of the South Carolina State Library on May 28, 2014.