Timberland Regional Library board appoints interim executive director

Timberland Regional Library (TRL) turned to one of its own to navigate a period of organizational change and rocky financial times, while it embarks on a search for a permanent leader.

The TRL Board of Trustees announced it appointed Andrea Heisel as interim executive director, effective Thursday, May 21. Heisel most recently served as library services director for the organization.

“With more than 26 years of library experience, Andrea brings deep professional expertise, proven leadership, and a strong commitment to public service,” said the organization in a statement about the hiring on Wednesday, May 20.

“Since joining TRL in 2017, she has served in multiple management and departmental leadership roles, helping guide major projects, operational improvements, and strategic initiatives across the library system.”

The board said Heisel led the library system in an acting capacity over the last several weeks, as the search continued for an interim executive director in the wake of the resignation of former Executive Director Cheryl Heywood, who stepped down on March 25.

Heywood resigned in the midst of a budget crisis that is reshaping the organization, which serves Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific and Thurston counties through 29 libraries, mobile service and online resources.

The financial woes stem from the regional library system failing to meet fiscal policy.

That fiscal policy calls for the Timberland Regional Library (TRL) to have 30 percent of expected revenues in a fiscal year budget’s beginning general fund balance, something that did not happen at the start of 2026 largely because expenses exceeded revenues gleaned from property taxes. As a result, the organization is facing a $3.5 million deficit that it must close.

The regional library disclosed the budget problems earlier this year. That led to organizational changes and operational adjustments, including voluntary and involuntary layoffs, as well as reduced operating schedules at some branches.

Looking ahead, the search for a regular executive director will begin immediately in a process that could take months to complete.