Alumni Interview: Paula Brehm-Heeger

Eva Jane Romain Coombe Director 

for Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library

Please discuss your current employment position.

I am currently the Executive Director (official title is the Eva Jane Romain Coombe Director) for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.  My work is focused on building relationships and understanding both internally and externally of the Library’s mission and evolving role in our communities and civic life.  A major project I have been leading since being appointed to this role in October, 2018 is the Library’s Facility Master Plan focused on building the Next Generation Library (https://cincinnatilibrary.org/next-generation/) This process started with a year-long community engagement initiative that resulted in a ten-year road map for our Library system.  The roadmap for facility improvements, funded by a 1 mil local level approved by Hamilton County voters in May, 2018 is based on community input including focus groups, online engagement and stakeholder meetings in nearly every community across the county.

I have worked in public libraries since I was 18, starting as a student shelver for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Library system (I grew up on the west side of Cincinnati).  I have also worked in public libraries in Indian and Missouri, primarily as a children’s and youth services librarian.  I returned to Cincinnati in 2000 and have worked in a wide variety of roles, mostly in management, senior and executive leadership positions.

What has been your biggest inspiration in your career?

I believe strongly in public service and in the power of and need for high-quality, effective public institutions.  I attended public schools and universities (I have degrees from the University of Cincinnati, Indiana University and NKU – all great public institutions) and, as a kid, spent a good deal of my summer at Cincinnati Recreation Center pools.  I’m inspired by creating great public spaces for the next generation of young people.

How has your time in the MPA program contributed to your career?

The knowledge and understanding I gained from the MPA program about public policy and administrative law and budgeting has been invaluable.  It broadened my perspective and afforded me the chance to meet a variety of people as committed to public service as I am.

Why did you choose the MPA program at NKU?

It was accessible, blended in-person and online learning options (an important comfort element for a returning student like me), offered quality education in a welcoming and schedule-friendly environment for someone working mid-career in a senior leadership position.

What advice do you have for current or future MPA students?

Learn all that you can and engage with your fellow students!  Stick with the program as it will provide benefits for years to come.