Recently appointed Director of Roanoke Public Libraries Amber Lowery and Public Information Officer Jenel Few join the City of Roanoke’s leadership team in advancing efforts to enhance and improve services.
Tuesday, Amber Lowery was appointed to lead services for Roanoke Public Libraries’ six locations and two e-branches. She has worked in Roanoke’s libraries since 2005, where her most recent role was Assistant Library Director. She is best known for building trust, strengthening community connections, and ensuring library services are responsive to the diverse needs of residents. Lowery holds a communications degree from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Library Science from Florida State University. She replaces Shiela Umberger, who retired after 43 years of service.
Jenel Few brings 30 years of media and communications experience spanning local government, federal government, and journalism. She led the Public Information and Community Engagement Office for the City of Savannah Fire Department served as press secretary for the U.S. government’s international development agency – the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and earned national and state awards during her career as a newspaper reporter. She holds a degree in mass communication from Clark Atlanta University.
“Amber and Jenel offer a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help to elevate service quality and innovation for the residents of the Star City,” said City Manager Valmarie Turner.
