Lisa McDonough appointed CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries

February 5, 2026

The Vaughan Public Library Board this week announced the appointment of Lisa McDonough as Chief Executive Officer of Vaughan Public Libraries. McDonough succeeds Margie Singleton, who is retiring as CEO after 18 years in the position.

Lisa McDonough Appointed CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries

February 5, 2026

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO – Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) and the Vaughan Public Library Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa McDonough to the position of CEO effective February 17th. Lisa will be assuming the role upon the retirement of Margie Singleton, who is retiring as CEO after 18 years in the position.

Chair, Gary Sangha, shares the news on behalf of the Vaughan Public Library Board: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lisa McDonough as the new Chief Executive Officer of Vaughan Public Libraries. After an extensive search, the Board selected a leader who embodies VPL’s commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence. Lisa brings a forward-thinking approach grounded in community needs and a deep appreciation for the essential role libraries play throughout people’s lives.”

After starting her career at New York Public Library, Lisa joined VPL in May 2000 and has held increasingly responsible positions at Vaughan Public Libraries touching all communities in Vaughan. Most recently, Lisa was the Deputy CEO, Customer Experience and brings a vast wealth of experience in librarianship, as well as the specific needs of Vaughan, and VPL operations. Lisa has brought passion to every role she has held, a dedication to service excellence, and love of ideas and innovation.

In addition to all of this, Lisa is also a strong advocate for the role of public libraries, and the importance of literacy. She is a member of the board for ABC Life Literacy Canada, as well as the Vice Chair of the CULC FuturesLab. She is a strong proponent of inclusivity, as well as a defender of intellectual freedom.

With Lisa’s appointment, the Vaughan Public Library Board, and VPL staff are excited to begin a new chapter while continuing to advance the essential role Vaughan Public Libraries play across the City of Vaughan to enrich, inspire, and transform.

QUOTES

“I am deeply honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Vaughan Public Libraries. Having dedicated my career to this exceptional organization and community, I am excited to continue advancing VPL’s mission. Our libraries are more than buildings, they are vibrant, welcoming spaces. We see this every day when babies attend their first story time, when children explore a world of imagination through books, when students get ahead by finding a quiet spot to study, and when adults of all ages connect at our programs and learn about the latest technology. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated and talented staff, our Board, and our partners to carry this mission forward and deliver outstanding library services to the Vaughan community.”

–Lisa McDonough, CEO, Vaughan Public Libraries

“As VPL continues to evolve alongside a rapidly changing world, Lisa brings strong leadership rooted in community, advocacy, empathy, and strategic vision. Lisa’s track record has demonstrated exceptional insight, a collaborative spirit, and a genuine dedication to enhancing public service. The Board is confident that she will not only carry our mission forward but will elevate it, ensuring that VPL continues to inspire learning, imagination, and connection. The Board is confident that Lisa is a leader who can continue our journey into the future, while maintaining touch with the essence of who we are. Through prior work she has impressed with her insights, attitude, and commitment to service excellence.

I would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Margie Singleton, on behalf of the entire Library Board. Margie has been a visionary CEO, who has dedicated her career to unleashing the full potential within libraries. From her first days in the profession, through to her time as CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries, she has been a force for good, impacting individual lives, as well as entire communities. Her advocacy, passion, and empathy have created a rich legacy, and the strong foundations that we can build upon in the future.”

–Gary Sangha, Chair, Vaughan Public Library Board

“I’m delighted that the Vaughan Public Library Board has selected Lisa as the successful candidate for the position of CEO at Vaughan Public Libraries. Having worked with Lisa for many years, I’ve seen first-hand the depth of her knowledge and her passionate commitment to the role of public libraries as the heart of our community. Lisa has been a critical contributor to the evolution and success of Vaughan Public Libraries. Her inspired leadership, innovative spirit and championing of our values have had a marked impact on the services we deliver every day to our customers. I wish Lisa all the best for an exciting and extremely successful tenure as CEO of Vaughan Public Libraries.”

–Margie Singleton, CEO, Vaughan Public Libraries (2008-2026)

(via Vaughan Public Libraries)